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The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 9:00 am. Members present were Brandon Braddy, Mark Burns, Charles Truett, and Ronnie Smith. Commissioner Thomas was not present due to the Forestry Dept. responding to the fires around Waycross.

Chairman Truett called the meeting to order. Commissioner Braddy led the invocation followed by the pledge to the flag.

The agenda was amended to include a dump truck under new business and to remove Executive Session on a motion by Commissioner Braddy, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Motion carried.

The minutes from the previous meetings were approved as written on a motion by Commissioner Braddy, seconded by Commissioner Burns. Motion carried.

Appearing before the Board was Roger Moxley, Sr. Mr. Moxley inquired on the new value on his property and what his taxes were going to be. The Chairman informed Mr. Moxley that the millage rate had not been set for next year.

Kenneth Kight of Judicial Alternatives of Georgia (J.A.G.) appeared before the Board at their request to give an update on the collection of the 2006 probation fines for Montgomery County. In 2006 there was $13,549.10 collected from misdemeanor probate court cases; $200.00 in restitution and $1,433.00 in crime victim emergency fund. As of today there are 4 active probation cases, with fines paid on 2 of these. There is $2,218.00 outstanding on the other two cases. There were 53 warrant cases with $34,011.70 outstanding on these. There was a total of 9 new probation cases last year with 5 of these closed. J.A.G.’s fees are paid by the offender. Mr. Kight will supply the Board with a report every month on these collections.

Robert Wheeler appeared before the Board to discuss the County’s web-site. Mr. Wheeler gave a presentation on what was needed and how the web-site would work. Mr. Wheeler will submit a bid for creating this web-site.

Joey Fountain appeared before the Board to request for $30,000.00 to help fund the Montgomery County Recreation Department. Fifty-two thousand dollars from the current 5 year SPOST was given to the Recreation Department in 2003. Mr. Fountain will submit a recreation department budget and a report to the Board. Some help may be supplied this year when the budget is revised and Mr. Fountain’s request will be considered in next year’s budget.

Johnny Clifton, Director of Economic Development reported that he had one new inquiry this month. Mr. Clifton continues to work with an alternative energy company and has contacted two retail chains asking them to look at Montgomery County. Mr. Clifton reported on the Development Authority’s recent meeting with the County Commissioners and stated that the next appointment to the Authority would be someone from the county commission. They also plan to meet with the elected officials from the cities to discuss economic development.

Bill Mitchell of the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce provided the Board with a copy of the May issue of Georgia Trend Magazine in which the Chamber is featured. Mr. Mitchell reported on the Chambers activities.

Administrator Curry reported that all roads had been graded and the ditches are being pulled. Mr. Curry asked the Board to be thinking about a future dirt pit.

In old business, the Emergency Reimbursement Service was discussed. This company will be asked to present an explanation of their services to the Board.

The Animal Control Ordinance was discussed. The Board will look at how this ordinance can be enforced and the cost of enforcing it. This will be looked at again next month.

In new business, after reviewing a letter from the company that services the courthouse clock suggesting that the bell support be checked out, the Board agreed to have this structure inspected.

After receiving request from the Magistrate and Registrar to be moved into the vacant offices in the courthouse the Board agreed to ask the Magistrate and Registrar to next months meeting to explain the need for these offices.

The Board discussed purchasing a dump truck for the Road Department. D & M International of Blackshear has a 2000 DT 466 International with 236,000 miles for $20,000.00. On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy the Board agreed to purchase this truck depending upon an inspection and the recommendation by Commissioner Thomas. Motion carried.

In comments, Commissioner Smith stated the land values in Montgomery County were higher than in Toombs and Wheeler. The Board will invite Mr. McCormick of McCormick Consulting to next month’s meeting to explain the valuation so the Commissioners can explain it to the public.

Commissioner Braddy told the Board he had copies of the 2006 reports from the Clerk of Court, Magistrate, and Probate offices on the money received and disbursed by these offices.

Chairman Truett gave the Commisioners a copy of a letter from the Tax Commissioner on the tax bills that had been corrected because of errors.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy. Motion carried.