Echols County commissioners approve permit fees, DOT grant application, election budget increase and establish safety coordinator; appoint DFACS leaders and a d

At its March 6, 2025 meeting, the Echols County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of routine and substantive items by recorded unanimous votes.

Actions the board approved included: adopting the meeting agenda and the Feb. 3, 2025 minutes; appointing Lisa Jones as chairperson and Mary Lou Carter as vice-chairperson of the DFACS board; approving the Echols County permit fee schedule; adopting a resolution authorizing filing an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department of Transportation for a grant under Title 49 U.S.C., Section 5311; approving an increase to the election budget; and adopting Resolution 2025-008 to establish a county safety coordinator. Each motion was moved and seconded as recorded and carried 5–0.

The meeting also went into executive session at 8:30 PM to discuss personnel matters. After returning, the board voted unanimously to appoint Teri Laseter as Deputy Magistrate Judge at the request of Judge Rodgers.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve March 6 agenda: motion by Commissioner Stanley Corbett; second by Commissioner Justin Staten; outcome 5–0.
- Approve Feb. 3 minutes: motion by Commissioner Justin Staten; second by Vice-Chairman Bobbi Rodgers; outcome 5–0.
- Appoint Lisa Jones (DFACS chair) and Mary Lou Carter (DFACS vice-chair): motion by Vice-Chairman Bobbi Rodgers; second by Commissioner Justin Staten; outcome 5–0.
- Approve Echols County permit fee schedule: motion by Commissioner Justin Staten; second by Commissioner Bobby Walker; outcome 5–0.
- Adopt resolution to apply for a DOT grant under 49 U.S.C. §5311: motion by Commissioner Bobby Walker; second by Commissioner Justin Staten; outcome 5–0.
- Approve election budget increase: motion by Commissioner Justin Staten; second by Commissioner Stanley Corbett; outcome 5–0.
- Adopt Resolution 2025-008 (establish safety coordinator): motion by Commissioner Bobby Walker; second by Commissioner Justin Staten; outcome 5–0.
- Appoint Teri Laseter as Deputy Magistrate Judge (personnel item reported after executive session): motion by Commissioner Bobby Walker; second by Vice-Chairman Bobbi Rodgers; outcome 5–0.

The board adjourned at 9:01 PM following the approvals.