Ware County Commission adopts joint comprehensive plan, approves FY2027 budget and several equipment purchases

Ware County commissioners used a June 26 special called meeting to clear a slate of formal actions — reappointing a board member, adopting a joint comprehensive plan required for grant eligibility, awarding an airport contract, approving equipment purchases for emergency services, and adopting the fiscal year 2027 budget.

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Mr. John and the Pledge of Allegiance. After a roll call, the board approved the reappointment of Patrick Simmons to the Family and Children Services (DFC) board; staff said Simmons’ current term expires June 30, 2026 and he had signed a letter indicating his willingness to serve another five‑year term beginning July 1, 2026.

Commissioners adopted Resolution 2026‑09 to ratify the 2026 joint Ware County comprehensive plan prepared by the regional commission. Staff told the board the five‑year plan must be updated and adopted to maintain the county’s status as a qualified local government and remain eligible for state and federal grants. Commissioners discussed amendment mechanics — staff advised that the plan can be amended after adoption and that the Department of Community Affairs had already approved the plan as presented.

The board approved several procurement requests. Emergency Management requested a utility vehicle for disaster response and presented two quotes: a Polaris Ranger (about $19,474) and a Honda Pioneer (about $22,145). Commissioners approved purchasing the Polaris Ranger from the local dealer using funds from a prior tower rental revenue account. The fire department requested replacement turnout gear — seven coats and pants, two helmets and boots — citing a 10‑year shelf life requirement for protective gear; commissioners approved the purchase, which staff said totals about $24,867 and would be charged to public safety equipment funds.

On infrastructure, staff asked the commission to approve the contract award for rehabilitation of Runway 119 at White Cross Airport. Commissioners noted the board had approved the bid in April and that approving the contract would allow staff to issue a notice to proceed before the bids expired; the county’s stated local share for the work was $43,279.90. Staff also said the county would pursue discretionary aviation funds to reduce the local contribution where possible.

In the meeting’s principal fiscal action, the commission adopted Resolution 2026‑08 to approve the FY2027 budget. Staff and commissioners emphasized the budget reflects both operating funds and a larger set of special purpose funds for projects. The county reported an operating fund of roughly $34.4 million (up from about $32 million the prior year), and commissioners discussed including a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees in the adopted plan. Commissioners also reviewed revenues and hurricane‑related reimbursements; staff said mutual‑aid and FEMA reimbursements would be tracked and recorded when received.

Votes at a glance
- Reappointment: Patrick Simmons to the Family and Children Services board — motion made and seconded; approved by the commission (vote tally not specified in the record).
- Resolution 2026‑09: Adopt 2026 joint Ware County comprehensive plan — motion made and seconded; approved.
- Purchase: EMA utility vehicle (Polaris Ranger) for ~ $19,473.64 — motion made and seconded; approved. Funding: prior tower rental revenues.
- Purchase: Fire turnout gear, approx. $24,867 — motion made and seconded; approved. Funding: public safety equipment account/grant match.
- Contract award: Runway 119 rehabilitation (White Cross Airport) — contract approved to allow notice to proceed; county local share ~$43,279.90; motion made and seconded; approved.
- Resolution 2026‑08: Adopt FY2027 budget — motion made and seconded; approved. The record indicates operating fund roughly $34.4 million; total budget includes special purpose fund balances and project allocations (total reported by staff as approximately $54.5 million). Vote tallies were not read into the record.

What happens next
Staff will process contract signatures and notices to proceed for the airport project, finalize procurement for the approved equipment purchases, and staff will record expected FEMA/mutual‑aid reimbursements when invoiced. The comprehensive plan adoption allows the county to remain eligible for grant programs; amendments to the plan can be proposed after adoption. The county manager and department heads will implement the adopted FY2027 budget and track reimbursements and project expenditures.

Speakers referenced in this article: Mr. John (led opening prayer), Patrick Simmons (reappointment nominee, referenced), County manager (commented during budget discussion), Miss Beverly (finance staff referenced by commissioners regarding budget development), chair and commissioners (motions and votes).