Commission approves CIE update, easement with Georgia Power and other routine items

At its June 16 meeting the Harris County Board of Commissioners approved several routine but consequential items, including a planning update that preserves state grant eligibility and a small‑value easement request from Georgia Power.

The board voted to adopt the 2026 capital improvements element (CIE) update to the county comprehensive plan after the Georgia Department of Community Affairs reviewed the update and determined it met applicable requirements; adoption preserves Harris County’s qualified local government status and its eligibility for some state grants.

The board also approved a distribution tree‑trim/clearing easement requested by Georgia Power along Highway 315 at Ellersley Park and authorized the chair, county manager and county clerk to execute the documents; Georgia Power offered $3,800 for the easement and staff said the work would be minimally invasive along the highway side (an estimated 20‑foot clearance with a small number of trees affected).

Other routine items the board handled by motion and voice vote included approving minutes from the May 7 planning session and June 2 regular meeting and taking a motion to recess into executive session to discuss litigation and personnel matters; the board later reconvened and adjourned.

What happens next: staff will execute easement documents and forward the adopted CIE to the Department of Community Affairs so the county’s qualified local government status is maintained for state grant consideration.