Echols County commissioners approve hazard mitigation plan, move to seek control of Water Authority and authorize part-time code officer hire
March 01, 2026 | Echols County, Georgia
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The Echols County Board of Commissioners on May 1 approved the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and took two personnel and governance steps, voting to pursue legal action to explore taking control of the Water Authority and to begin hiring a part-time code enforcement officer.
The board unanimously approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan (motion by Commissioner Stanley Corbett, seconded by Commissioner Bobby Walker). The plan, presented earlier by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, is intended to keep the county in compliance with requirements established by GEMA and FEMA and to refine mitigation strategies for hazards such as hurricanes and wildfires.
On a separate motion, Commissioner Bobby Walker moved that the county take control of the Water Authority “provided it would not incur costs for taxpayers,” a condition he included in the motion. Commissioner Justin Staten seconded. Vice-Chairperson Bobbi Pohlman Rodgers abstained from the vote because she serves on the Water Authority board; Commissioner Stanley Corbett voted against the motion. The motion passed with three votes in favor, one opposed and one abstention. The board requested that staff and legal counsel proceed with the necessary legal steps to evaluate and, if appropriate, effect a transfer of responsibilities to the county.
The board also approved a motion to begin the hiring process for a part-time code enforcement officer. Commissioner Justin Staten proposed the motion, which Vice-Chairperson Bobbi Pohlman Rodgers supported; Commissioner Stanley Corbett opposed. The motion passed 4-1.
Earlier in the meeting, at 6:55 PM, the commission adjourned its workshop by a 5-0 vote. The regular meeting convened at 7:00 PM; the board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 10 meeting by separate unanimous votes.
There was no executive session. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM after a unanimous vote.
The board unanimously approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan (motion by Commissioner Stanley Corbett, seconded by Commissioner Bobby Walker). The plan, presented earlier by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, is intended to keep the county in compliance with requirements established by GEMA and FEMA and to refine mitigation strategies for hazards such as hurricanes and wildfires.
On a separate motion, Commissioner Bobby Walker moved that the county take control of the Water Authority “provided it would not incur costs for taxpayers,” a condition he included in the motion. Commissioner Justin Staten seconded. Vice-Chairperson Bobbi Pohlman Rodgers abstained from the vote because she serves on the Water Authority board; Commissioner Stanley Corbett voted against the motion. The motion passed with three votes in favor, one opposed and one abstention. The board requested that staff and legal counsel proceed with the necessary legal steps to evaluate and, if appropriate, effect a transfer of responsibilities to the county.
The board also approved a motion to begin the hiring process for a part-time code enforcement officer. Commissioner Justin Staten proposed the motion, which Vice-Chairperson Bobbi Pohlman Rodgers supported; Commissioner Stanley Corbett opposed. The motion passed 4-1.
Earlier in the meeting, at 6:55 PM, the commission adjourned its workshop by a 5-0 vote. The regular meeting convened at 7:00 PM; the board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 10 meeting by separate unanimous votes.
There was no executive session. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM after a unanimous vote.
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