Standing room only at Commissioners’ meeting

The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners held their regular monthly meeting this past Monday evening, October 20, in the Emanuel County Courthouse. Chairman Jim Sherrod was joined by Commissioners Coleman, Moore, Oliver and Thompson. County Administrator Singletary and County Clerk Lamb were also attending. Chairman Sherrod welcomed a full house of visitors to the October meeting and called on County Attorney McNeely for an invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners then approved the minutes from earlier meetings which included the October 14, workshop meeting, the October 8, millage rate hearing and adoption meeting, the October 8, tax increase public hearing, the October 1, tax increase public hearing and the September 15 regular meeting. Next, Chairman Sherrod invited public comments from two citizens who had previously asked to be on the agenda. Mr. Taylor Brett addressed the Board voicing concern over the proliferation of solar farms in the county and cited the inherent dangers presented by lithium batteries in the design and operation of these establishments. Mr. Brett was accompanied by a group of a dozen or more supporters who shared similar concerns relating to the solar farms. Chairman Sherrod acknowledged the growing presence of these “farms” and suggested that more discussion, as well as monitoring and information-sharing, take place to best protect the interest of the public. Next, Yolanda Moore addressed the Board regarding road repairs on Prosperity Drive. Commissioners discussed the situation and requested Administrator Singletary to look into possible resolutions. Public hearings on two alcohol license applications were then held. A license was approved for Dorothy Boyd for Beer & Wine COP and Liquor by the Drink (The Bar at Coleman Lake) and a license was approved for Beer & Wine Retail for Arunaben Patel (Westside One Stop). Under New Business, Commissioners heard discussion regarding appointments to fill vacancies of two seats on the Hospital Authority Board. Board member Hooks was reappointed to the Authority by unanimous agreement, and a motion forwarding three names to the Hospital Authority for selection of a replacement for Mitch Hall was unanimously approved. At this point, regular business was completed, and the Board voted to enter into Executive Session.