The Greene County Board of Commissioners started the Sept. 10 meeting by paying tribute to Greene County Battalion Fire Chief Chris Eddy’s heroism and ultimate sacrifice.
Eddy was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 4 when he responded to a tractor-trailer fire. The commissioners also recognized first responders in attendance, and those attending applauded enthusiastically.
Then, the commissioners approved a pair of zoning items at its Sept. 10 meeting, which was mostly devoted to housekeeping items.
Following a recommendation by the Greene County Planning and Zoning Board, the commissioners approved a zoning request from Bandit Holdings L.L.C. to rezone 68.41 acres at 3400 and 3560 Highway 77 South from A1 to LI (Light Industrial).
The rezoning allows Alliance Corrugated and Display, which already occupies two warehouses in Union Point, to use a 100,000-square-foot warehouse to store corrugated boxes. Approval is contingent on removing a manufactured home on one of the lots.
The commissioners also approved a conditional use request to construct a guest house in addition to the primary residence at 1551 Bennett Springs Drive in the Reynolds Lake Oconee development.
P&Z had recommended approval on the conditional use request as well.
In other business the BOC:
• Approval is being made to continue the Title VI plan in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation for transit services, which allows the county to remain eligible for federal funds.
• Approved a resolution adopting agreements with private non-profit fire departments (Greshamville Fire Department, Walker Church Community Fire Department, and the Liberty Fire Department) as required by the state.
• Approved a contract for services with the Greene County Chamber of Commerce for FY2025.
• Approved Enterprise fleet program contracts to maintain the county’s fleet of vehicles, subject to review by the county attorney.
• The board approved a memorandum of understanding agreement with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for Community Development Block Grant Services to expand the senior center, as previously discussed during budget meetings. Grant amounts will not be known until additional plans are developed.
• Approved the expenditure of $108,847 to fund the county’s local match for a grant provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation that totals $1,833,034. The grant helps meet the safety mandates of the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Approved an airport obstruction and fencing project that will cost Greene County $21,827 from SPLOST proceeds, representing the local match amount from the total funding amount of $343,603.
• Approved budget adjustments as required for the FY2024 budget.
• Approved a SPLOST expenditure of $29,653 to acquire four Lifepack 1 defibrillators that show heart rhythm on the EKG – a significant improvement over older versions, according to county manager Byron Lombard - and an upgraded air pack for the fire chief.