Commission Chairman Remains the Same—For Now; County To Purchase One Building in City, Sell Another

The Jasper County Commissioners voted to retain Carl Pennamon as Chairman, for now, and also voted to have the Development Authority of Jasper County (DAJC) purchase the property at 825 Eatonton Street.

Since Commissioner Craig Salmon resigned, there are only four commissioners until a special election is held, and therefore, ties could be common. One occurred Monday evening when both Commissioner Pennamon and Commissioner Bruce Henry were nominated for chairman. Commissioner Don Jernigan and Commissioner Pennamon voted for Mr. Pennamon, and Commissioners Henry and Doug Luke voted for Mr. Henry. After discussion, they agreed that Commissioner Pennamon would remain chairman until a fifth commissioner joins the board, then they may vote again. In the meantime, Commissioner Henry is vice-chair.

Commissioners also voted to retain Sharon Robinson as County Clerk, and Alexander, Royston as the law firm for County Attorney. David Ozburn generally serves as county attorney, and he is with the firm, and the commissioners just thought it would be best to name the firm, although it will usually be Mr. Ozburn.

The property acquisition vote came after an hour long closed session which included commissioners, county manager, DAJC Director David Dyer, and Morris Hutchison representing Jasper County Health Department. The commissioners are seeking a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for renovation or replacement of the current health department. Perhaps this facility will serve that purpose.

During commissioners’ comments, Commissioner Jernigan commented on road projects being behind because of the rain, and said that even if overtime was necessary, Public Works employees need to get to work on the roads. He also suggested that the county start inspecting properties before culverts are put in so that they can be sure the culvert is installed properly. Commissioner Jernigan also said that Public Works needs to respond to work orders, even if they don’t get to them immediately.

Commissioner Henry said that Extension Agent Charlie Todd is starting a new website (see related story) on Jasper County ag, and said it should be linked to the county website and stressed it will be good for those in agricultural businesses as well as the home gardener or farmer.

Commissioner Luke agreed that public works needs to do a better job of giving feedback.

Chairman Pennamon said that we need to show appreciation for law enforcement. He also said that although roads are the responsibility of the board, that it is important to focus on the future. The jail is overpopulated, the health department is in bad shape, recreation needs more and a shop is needed at PWD. He said we need to focus on moving the county ahead.

Chairman Pennamon then said (this was before the vote on chairman) that the board of commissioners is not Republican or Democrat, but a group of men who have the best interest of Jasper County at heart.

Commissioner Luke said at this level, you are a representative of the people. He said you see your constituents in the grocery store and can’t hide behind anything. He stressed they represent the people.

The commissioners also voted to put the cannery property up for sale. Chairman Pennamon said he asked Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley to give him a value on the property. They agreed to give the county manager time to get important items out of the cannery, then put it up for sale. The goal is for it to be ready to sell by the February 4 meeting.

County Manager Mike Benton told the board that the Pitts Chapel Bridge project is moving forward, with it being advertised in this newspaper last week. It is still scheduled for the contract to be let in May, he said. He also said that the grant for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) striping and signage is a go, and will start soon. He said work has not begun on Shepherd Road, as the county is waiting on the state for a check.

In other action, commissioners:

•Approved being the fiscal agent for Family Connection.

•Approved a facility request from the Georgia Department of Defense for a Disaster Debris Clearing Training.

•Approved the check register and December minutes.