Heard County commissioners adopt 2015-2016 budget, approve Evans Drive abandonment

HEARD COUNTY, Ga. — The Heard County Board of Commissioners on June 23 unanimously adopted the county’s advertised 2015–2016 budget and approved several administrative actions at a meeting in the Heard County Courthouse courtroom.

Chairman Lee Boone called the meeting to order. On a motion by Commissioner Gwen Caldwell and a second by Commissioner Joe Adams, the board voted unanimously to adopt the 2015–2016 budget as advertised; the transcript does not state the budget’s dollar total.

The board also closed a public hearing on a request to abandon Evans Drive and, on a motion by Commissioner Joe Adams with a second by Commissioner Keri Denney, voted unanimously to abandon the road.

Chairman Boone said he had received a letter from Georgia Forestry describing changes to timber-harvesting rules that were to take effect July 1, 2015. The county attorney reviewed amendments to the county’s timber-permit ordinance to mirror those changes; the board approved the ordinance amendment on a motion by Commissioner Larry Hooks, seconded by Commissioner Keri Denney.

The board considered a reappointment to the Heard County Board of Family and Children Services (DFACS). A letter indicated Mrs. Marsha Harper wished to be reappointed. On a motion by Commissioner Gwen Caldwell and a second by Commissioner Larry Hooks, the board voted 4-1 to reappoint Harper; Commissioner Keri Denney recorded an abstention because of a relation to Harper.

County Attorney Jerry Ann Conner presented revisions to the underwriting policy for the Heard County Development Authority’s economic development revolving loan fund (RLF). The board unanimously approved the changes and authorized Chairman Boone to sign the revised resolution on the board’s behalf.

There were no items of old business, no public comments, and no executive session. The board adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Gwen Caldwell and a second by Commissioner Keri Denney.

Votes at a glance: budget adoption — motion Caldwell, second Adams; outcome: approved (unanimous); Evans Drive abandonment — motion Adams, second Denney; outcome: approved (unanimous); timber-permit ordinance amendment — motion Hooks, second Denney; outcome: approved (unanimous); DFACS reappointment of Marsha Harper — motion Caldwell, second Hooks; outcome: approved (4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain [Denney]); RLF underwriting policy amendment — motion Denney, second Hammond; outcome: approved (unanimous).

The transcript notes the county attorney’s presentation referenced a resolution and that an attachment exists; that document is not included in the meeting transcript.