County leaders also announce first data center research committee meeting and approve transportation tax resolution
The Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners recognized a historic achievement by the county’s Recreation Department, approved a resolution related to future transportation funding, and announced an upcoming meeting of the county’s data center research committee during its regular meeting Tuesday, November 10.
Commissioners also approved Christmas bonuses for county employees following an executive session.
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of the Jeff Davis County Recreation Department for receiving the Agency of the Year Award.
Jayme Crosby explained that the recognition was awarded to only three agencies among 208 applicants, with one recipient selected in each of three classifications. Jeff Davis County received the Class C Agency of the Year honor, marking the first time in county history that its Recreation Department has earned the distinction.
The department currently offers 11 different sports programs annually and serves more than 1,000 participants. Recreation Department staff members were recognized during the meeting for their dedication to providing athletic opportunities and recreational programs for the county’s youth. Commission Chairman Ricky Crosby presented the recognition as staff members gathered for a photograph.
Recreation Director Josh Horton was also recognized for a professional achievement through the University of Georgia involving a parks and recreation professional certificate program.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the department’s work and its positive impact on families throughout Jeff Davis County.
J. Crosby also provided an update on the recently established data center research committee. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, at 2 pm at the Historic Big House in Hazlehurst. The meeting is open to the public.
According to county officials, the meeting will bring together members appointed by the Board of Commissioners and representatives of the Joint Development Authority. The committee was established to research issues associated with potential data center development.
Commissioners approved a resolution beginning the process of placing the continuation of the region’s Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) before voters in 2028. County officials explained that the existing one-percent transportation sales tax is scheduled to expire in 2029.
The proposed ballot measure would allow voters to decide whether to continue the existing tax. Revenue from the transportation tax supports projects administered through the Transportation Investment Act (TIA) program, including road paving and other transportation improvements.
Approval of the resolution allows the Heart of Georgia regional organization to begin the necessary preparations for the anticipated 2028 referendum. The resolution does not itself renew the tax. That decision would be made by voters.
The commissioners also addressed vacancies and appointments involving county-related boards. The board approved advertising two vacant positions on the county’s tax adjustment board.
Officials also discussed representation on the Heart of Georgia board. James Benjamin, who had been serving as a private-sector representative, was appointed to serve as the county’s representative. Commissioners approved advertising the resulting vacancy for a private-sector representative.
During the administrative report, J. Crosby provided a brief update on the county’s financial position. At the time of the meeting, approximately 41.66 percent of the county’s fiscal year had elapsed, while approximately 32.6 percent of the budget had been used. No additional financial concerns were identified during the public portion of the meeting.
County officials reminded residents that the courthouse and county departments would be closed Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
In addition, county offices will also be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26–27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Residents needing county services are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Following the regular business portion of the meeting, commissioners entered executive session to discuss personnel and real estate matters.
After returning to open session, the board approved Christmas bonuses for all county employees.
The meeting concluded following the board’s action.
