On the agenda: Blackshear CLICK HERE | Sept 08, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes — FLOCK Camera (Sep 8)

Regular Meeting
705 College Avenue, 2nd Floor, Blackshear, GA 31516
September 8, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Commissioners in attendance

Neal Bennett, Chairman
Troy Mattox, District 1
Randy Dixon, District 3
David Lowman, District 4

Commissioner not in attendance

Graham Raley, District 2

Staff in attendance

Thomas Sauls, County Manager
Donna Golding, County Clerk
Adam Craft, County Attorney

1. Call to order-Chairman Neal Bennett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Invocation Leader-Pastor Edmund Thrift, Shady Grove Baptist Church
3. Pledge of Allegiance Leader-Sheriff Ramsey Bennett led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Approval of September 8, 2026, Agenda-Commissioner David Lowman made a motion
to approve the September 8, 2026, agenda. Commissioner Troy Mattox seconded the
motion. The motion carried.
5. Approval of August 4, 2026, regular meeting minutes-Commissioner Randy Dixon made
a motion to approve the August 4, 2026, meeting minutes. Commissioner David
Lowman seconded the motion. The motion carried.
6. Public Comments
Blake Edwards-1378 Chance Road, Blackshear-Discussion of FLOCK Cameras, and
request a resolution by the BOC to discontinue the use of these devices which are violating
the privacy and the constitutional rights of our community every single day.
Below is the statement Mr. Blake Edwards presented to the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioners, I want to address you tonight about a growing concern all across America,
one that directly infringes on the Constitutional rights of everyone in this room, and
everyone in this county; the so called “Automated License Plate Readers” or the namebrand “FLOCK” cameras.
Counties all across America are gaining awareness of, and are now voicing their concerns
over the very clear violation of the 4th amendment by the “Flock” camera system (FLOCK is
a name brand, we may not have specific flock cameras, but the concept is the same
regardless of the specific vendor used in Pierce County). The lack of transparency in how
these cameras are used, and the VAST amount of illegal searches these cameras are
facilitating, is eye-opening. This AI powered network is capable of recording and storing in a
centralized national cloud database not only license plate data, but vehicle descriptions,

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passenger data, and this information is available online to unknown legitimate and
illegitimate actors with a simple login and password, on demand, with no court approval,
no oversight, and no warrant.
As a result, community leaders are taking a stand:
Police departments across the country are discontinuing their FLOCK contracts.
Sheriffs all over America are immediately removing all flock cameras from their counties.
BOC’s in nearly every state are developing ordinances to ban automated license plate
readers, and facial recognition cameras from public roads.

Florida- Governor Desantis is removing all Flock cameras from state roads.
There are very real concerns, after very real news stories right here in Georgia:
Savannah dispatcher resigns after conducting 20,000 flock searches. (WTOC)
4 additional savannah area officers arrested for FLOCK misuse. (WTOC)
A low country lieutenant made more than 2,700 unauthorized flock searches (WTOC)
What amounts to nearly 25% of metro Atlanta police officers have either been suspended,
are under investigation, or have resigned amid an “Audit” of flock search requests. (AJC)
Unless I’m mistaken, every single one of you has a big “R” in front of your name. That R
should mean something. It should represent a set of values, including being the party that
stands up for and defends the US Constitution. I have taken the Oath of Office, it’s
something I take very seriously. At least once a month I am reminded of this oath when I
swear in new law enforcement officers. Let me remind you that that oath is to “SUPPORT
AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AGAINST ALL
ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, AND TO BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE
SAME.”
Defending Pierce County and protecting your constituents from ANY infringement of their
constitutional right should be the HIGHEST priority for this elected body. There is no doubt
in any true conservative's mind that this camera system is another tool for mass
government surveillance. The system is CLEARLY being abused. It is the most sweeping
surveillance system in American history, and we don’t have any way of knowing who
accesses the data, how securely the data is being stored, or how information requests are
being processed. There are over 80,000 AI powered cameras across the US, including more
than a dozen right here in Pierce County. We have ZERO local control over that data. Once
the camera is activated, anyone in the world with access to that cloud database can
access it. Your kids, your wives, and your community is being put on a cloud, and you have
absolutely no control over who can access that data. That should keep you awake at night,
gentlemen.
Now, I’ll be completely honest. If the flock cameras were ONLY at major intersections such
as Hwy 84 and Hwy 121 here in Blackshear, and maybe Hwy 32 and Hwy 84 in Patterson, I
probably wouldn’t be standing here. The fact that we have these cameras in residential
neighborhoods, including one pointing right at my grandmothers house behind the
recreation department on an extremely low-traffic road, I have a serious problem with that.
Why do we need mass government surveillance in the middle of residential
neighborhoods?

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When I mentioned this via email a few weeks ago, you claimed you have no control over
these flock cameras, however if that is true, I’m not sure why we need this body. If you have
no influence and no control over what happens in the county and districts each of you
represents, then what are we doing here? The truth is you do have power, and you do have
influence. You have the ability to meet with the Chief of Police, the Sheriff, and you have not
only the ability, you have the responsibility, and I believe an obligation to the people you
represent to ensure our constitutional rights are not being violated. You have the power,
right here in this meeting, to end the use of flock cameras in Pierce County. I would not
expect you to pass such a measure without investigating this for yourselves or doing your
due diligence.

For that reason, I have 2 requests of the commissioners:
First- I ask that you do some investigations of your own.
-Ask how many crimes FLOCK cameras in pierce county have solved.
-How many missing children have been found, or abductions have been solved due to our
flock camera network.
-Ask how many searches or data requests have come from officers in pierce county? How
many have come from outside of pierce county?
-What is the vetting and approval process for officers making these requests in pierce
county? What is the vetting process for accessing pierce county flock camera data for
those outside of pierce county?
-Can we be assured as citizens that those with access to flock data are not using the flock
camera network for personal gain or illegal searches?
Second- after honestly and truthfully seeking answers to those questions, discuss amongst
yourselves and with your local law enforcement officials if the ends justify the means. If we
really need mass government surveillance in Pierce County. If crime is so rampant, and
these AI powered cameras that store our personal and private data on a cloud network for
anyone across the world to access at any time is an essential part of our ability to prevent
or solve crime here in Pierce County.
I leave you with a quote from Ben Franklin “Those who give up essential liberty to purchase
a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Thank you for your time, I hope
you take my concerns seriously.

In response to Mr. Blake Edwards, Sheriff Ramsey Bennett responded with the O.C.G.A
rules below:
OCGA § 35-1-22 prohibits Georgia law enforcement agencies from retaining license
plate data obtained from automated recognition systems beyond 30 months unless
used for law enforcement purposes.
Key Provisions
Definitions:
•

Automated license plate recognition system (ALPR): High-speed cameras with
software that convert license plate images into computer-readable data.

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•

Captured license plate data: Includes GPS coordinates, date and time,
photographs, license plate numbers, and any derived information.

•

Law enforcement agency: Includes state, federal, local, public transit, school,
college, or university agencies responsible for crime prevention, code enforcement,
or law enforcement of penal, traffic, toll, regulatory, game, or controlled substance
laws.

•

Law enforcement purpose: Investigation of an offense or activity initiated by a law
enforcement agency.

•

Person: Any individual or entity, including corporations, partnerships, or
associations
Data Collection and Retention:

•

Agencies may collect and store captured license plate data, but it must only be
accessed for a law enforcement purpose.

•

All data must be destroyed within 30 months unless it is related to a toll violation
or ongoing law enforcement activity
Data Sharing:

•

Agencies may share captured data with other law enforcement agencies strictly
for law enforcement purposes
Penalties for Misuse:

•

Any person who knowingly requests, uses, or obtains captured data under false
pretenses or for non-law enforcement purposes commits a misdemeanor of a
high and aggravated nature for each offense.

•

Agencies may contract with third parties to maintain data, but such parties must
comply with agency policies and the same restrictions
Operational Requirements:

•

Agencies deploying ALPR systems must maintain policies for system use, officer
training, and compliance with the statute.

•

Captured license plate data is not subject to public disclosure under Georgia
public records law
Summary:
OCGA § 35-1-22 ensures that automated license plate data is collected, used, and
retained responsibly, strictly for law enforcement purposes, with clear limits on
retention, sharing, and public access, and establishes penalties for misuse. This
statute balances law enforcement utility with privacy protections.

Sheriff Ramsey Bennett stated that if any of his officers misuse the FLOCK cameras, the
person misusing them would be prosecuted.

Kimberly Lawson- 2458 Jared Road, Patterson-Discussion of animal controlBelow is the statement from Ms. Kimberly Lawson:
Pierce County Board of Commissioners – September 8, 2026
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” — Proverbs 12:10

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Good evening. My name is Kimberly Lawson. I’m a veteran and a local content creator, and
I live in a rural area of Pierce County.
I’m here because I believe Pierce County has a serious gap when it comes to animal
control and resources for unwanted and roaming animals.
I’ve dealt with this firsthand. There was a pack of dogs roaming in my area that I called the
Sheriff’s Office about several times. I was concerned about the dogs and about the
potential danger to people in the community.
Nothing meaningful happened until a child was bitten.
And that’s one of the biggest reasons I’m here tonight. I don’t think a child should have to
get hurt before we have an effective way to respond to a known problem with roaming dogs.
I’ve also watched dogs repeatedly roam and reproduce because their owners either
couldn’t or wouldn’t have them spayed or neutered. Recently, I personally helped find
homes and shelter placement for a mother dog and her puppies.
Those particular dogs are safe now, but the larger problem isn’t solved.
This isn’t only an animal-welfare issue. It’s a public-safety issue.
When dogs are abandoned, allowed to roam, or reproduce unchecked, eventually
somebody has to deal with the consequences. That’s going to be a resident, law
enforcement, a landowner, or a rescue organization that’s already stretched thin.
And right now, residents don’t have enough good options.
I’m not asking the county to build a massive shelter tomorrow. I’m asking us to start looking
at realistic solutions.
That could include affordable spay and neuter services, partnerships with existing shelters
and rescue organizations, grants or other funding opportunities, and a clear process for
what residents are supposed to do when they find an abandoned or dangerous dog.
We also have resources within our own community. There are highly sought-after dog
trainers in the Blackshear area. I would love to see the county bring knowledgeable local
people into this conversation and ask what solutions they believe could actually work here.
Because my biggest question is very simple:
If a Pierce County resident finds an abandoned dog today—or repeatedly reports dogs
that are becoming a danger—what are they supposed to do?
The answer shouldn’t be to wait until somebody gets hurt.
I don’t expect the Board to solve this tonight. I’m asking you to acknowledge that there is a
gap, look at what resources and partnerships are available, and determine what realistic
steps Pierce County can take.
Even if we start small—with spay and neuter assistance, local partnerships, and a clear
place for residents to call—that would be progress.
The animals are already here. The problem already exists. Addressing it before somebody
gets hurt is better for our residents, our law enforcement, and the animals.
Thank you for your time.
*Additional point discussed during my remarks: The City of Blackshear has more
comprehensive animal-control ordinances than Pierce County. Pierce County’s Chapter 6

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contains a section for “Dogs — Generally,” but Sections 6-21 through 6-43 are reserved.
The county’s substantive dog provisions focus primarily on dangerous and vicious dogs.
The City of Blackshear’s Chapter 10 contains broader animal-control provisions addressing
animal control and issues such as abandonment, confinement, surrender, and other
animal-related matters.

7. Action to approve new Subdivision at parcel # 036-028 from Allen and Griffis
Construction on Dean Still Road, Blackshear-Commissioner David Lowman made a
motion to approve the new subdivision on Dean Still Road. Commissioner Randy Dixon
seconded the motion. The motion carried.
8. Action to approve a variance request for the install of a new mobile home located at
Parcel #024A-098, 6603 Christie Circle-Commissioner David Lowman made a motion
to approve the variance for Christie Circle. Chairman Neal Bennett made a motion to
deny the variance for Christie Circle. Stating we need to follow the County Ordinance
we have in place. Commissioner David Lowman then made a motion to table this item
until further information was retrieved from Mr. Chris Bond who is over Planning and
Zoning. Commissioner Troy Mattox agreed and seconded the motion to table the
variance request until the Board received further information about the property.
Tabling the variance request carried.
9. Action to approve the annual Resolution Authorizing the filing of an application with the
Department of Transportation, United States of America, and Georgia Department of
Transportation, for a grant under Title 49 U.S.C., Section 5311-Commissioner David
Lowman made a motion to authorize the annual Resolution Authorizing the filing of an
application with the Department of Transportation, United States of America, and
Georgia Department of Transportation. Commissioner Randy Dixon seconded the
motion. The motion carried.
10. Action to approve agreement for technical assistance hourly services between the
Pierce County Board of Commissioners and Southern Georgia Regional CommissionCommissioner David Lowman made a motion to approve the approve agreement for
technical assistance hourly services between the Pierce County Board of
Commissioners and Southern Georgia Regional Commission for the Land and Water
Conservation project at the Recreation Department off Ware Street for improvements.
Commissioner Randy Dixon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
11. Action to approve a resolution of Pierce County Commission to submit a preapplication to obtain 2026-2027 land and water conservation fund grant moniesCommissioner David Lowman made amotion to approve a resolution of Pierce County
Commission to submit a pre-application to obtain 2026-2027 land and water
conservation fund grant monies. Commissioner Troy Mattox seconded the motion. The
motion carried.
12. Discussion and Action to approve FY 2027 Millage Rate-County Manager Thomas Sauls
presented the FY 2027 Millage Rate at 9.784. Stating this is down .613 of a mill. This is
roughly 7% and equals an estimated amount of $473,000.00 in savings to the Pierce
County taxpayer. Commissioner Randy Dixon made a motion to approve FY 2027 at
9.784 mills. Commissioner Troy Mattox seconded the motion. Commissioner David
Lowman gave a third. The motion carried.

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NOTICE

The Pierce County Board of Commissioners does hereby a nnounce tha t the mi l l a ge ra te wi l l be s et a t a meeti ng to be hel d a t the NFC Bui l di ng
705 College Ave. Blackshear, Ga. 31516 on September 8, 2026 a t 6:00 p.m. a nd purs ua nt to the requi rements of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32 does hereby
publ i s h the fol l owi ng pres enta ti on of the current yea r's ta x di ges t a nd l evy, a l ong wi th the hi s tory of the ta x di ges t a nd l evy for the pa s t fi ve yea rs .

CURRENT PROPERTY TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Real & Personal

429,409,980

450,830,998

579,132,998

597,311,079

622,151,643

Motor Vehicles

8,419,500

7,648,470

7,848,820

8,125,850

7,973,780

7,921,270

Mobile Homes

12,718,860

14,835,211

16,525,598

16,800,863

16,998,362

18,456,550

9,063,551

13,779,615

5,088,590

7,417,044

3,407,019

222,537

463,708

436,954

189,470

482,378,230

617,509,568

627,790,090

654,977,783

767,823,055

UNINCORPORATED

U
N
I
N
C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E
D

V
A
L
U
E

R
A
T
E

A
R
E
A

TAX

Timber - 100%

4,985,896

Heavy Duty Equipment

51,184

Gross Digest

455,585,420

V
A
L
U
E

R
A
T
E

A
R
E
A

TAX

737,848,746

Less Exemptions

85,691,501

96,469,854

140,268,697

139,578,312

148,775,187

206,092,271

NET DIGEST VALUE

369,893,919

385,908,376

477,240,871

488,211,778

506,202,596

561,730,784

16.0000

14.1529

12.0952

12.0778

13.1040

12.5050

5.5655

3.0249

2.6662

2.6808

2.7070

2.7210

Gross Maintenance &
Operation Millage
Less Rollbacks
(Local Option Sales Tax,
Insurance Premium)
NET M&O MILLAGE RATE

10.4345

11.1280

9.4290

9.3970

10.3970

9.7840

NET M&O TAXES LEVIED

$3,859,658

$4,294,388

$4,499,904

$4,587,726

$5,262,988

$5,495,974

INCORPORATED

I
N
C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E
D

2026

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Real & Personal

142,482,819

154,297,769

222,599,719

228,014,831

232,937,143

2026
260,572,408

Motor Vehicles

1,250,960

1,280,150

1,258,430

1,358,390

1,324,900

1,385,670

Mobile Homes

336,848

426,770

489,402

762,841

917,971

1,467,615

216,300

142,746

39,410

224,347,551

230,352,362

235,322,760

263,465,103

Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment

108,918

145,005

Gross Digest

144,179,545

156,149,694

Less Exemptions

12,581,805

14,868,791

26,878,695

26,307,704

41,528,053

52,430,859

NET DIGEST VALUE

131,597,740

141,280,903

197,468,856

204,044,658

193,794,707

211,034,244

16.0000

14.1529

12.0952

12.0778

13.1040

12.5050

2.7603

3.0249

2.6662

2.6808

2.7070

2.7210

Gross Maintenance &
Operation Millage
Less Rollback
(Local Option Sales Tax)
NET M&O MILLAGE RATE

13.2397

11.1280

9.4290

9.3970

10.3970

9.7840

NET M&O TAXES LEVIED

$1,742,315

$1,572,174

$1,861,934

$1,917,408

$2,014,884

$2,064,759

TO
L
TA
U
CO
Y
NT

TOTAL COUNTY

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

TOTAL DIGEST VALUE

501,491,659

527,189,279

674,709,727

692,256,436

699,997,303

2026
772,765,028

TOTAL M&O TAXES LEVIED

$5,601,973

$5,866,562

$6,361,838

$6,505,134

$7,277,872

$7,560,733

Net Tax $ Increase

$264,590

$495,276

$143,296

$772,738

$282,861

Net Tax % Increase

4.72%

8.44%

2.25%

11.88%

3.89%

13. Action to adopt Resolution to Approve FY 2027 Tax Levy

RESOLUTION 2026.09.08
OF PIERCE COUNTY, GEORGIA
TO APPROVE TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR 2026

Resolution and Order of the Board of Commissioners of Pierce County Georgia levying
taxes for the year 2026.
WHEREAS the gross M&O millage for the unincorporated will be set at 12.5050 mills less
the rollbacks of 2.7210 mills for a net M&O millage of 9.7840 mills for a net tax levied at
$5,495,974 and the gross M&O millage for the incorporated will be set at 12.5050 mills less
the rollbacks of 2.7210 mills for a net M&O millage of 9.7840 mills for a net tax levied at
$2,064,759 for a total county tax levied at $7,560,733 and a total county value for 2026 at
$772,765,028.
WHEREAS it is ordered that the Board of Commissioners adopt the 2026 mill rate of 12.953
mills, for maintenance and operation, as recommended by the Board of Education, in
accordance with law.

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BE IT RESOLVED by the Pierce County Board of Commissioners as the governing authority
of Pierce County is hereby requesting to levy a tax for the year 2026 at the Gross Rate of
12.5050 mills upon the monetary assessed value of all taxable property in Pierce County,
for the maintenance and operating of Pierce County for the fiscal year 2027.
Adopted on this 8th day of September 2026.

THE PIERCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

By: ____________________________
Neal Bennett, Chairman

SEAL

Attest: _________________________
Donna Golding, County Clerk

14. Action to approve Mowing for the Recreation Department
Wright Outdoors-$21,915.00
North Florida Lawn Maintenance-$71,500.00
Commissioner Randy Dixon made a motion to approve the bid with Wright Outdoors in
the amount of $21,915.00. Commissioner Troy Mattox seconded the motion. The
motion carried.
15. Action to approve the purchase of Caterpillar Model 309 Hydraulic Excavator and
Torrent Mulcher $178,150.00
16. Chairman Neal Bennett presented the purchase of a Caterpillar Model 309 Hydraulic
Excavator and Torrent Mulcher for $178,150.00 to the Commissioners. It could take 4 to
6 months before the equipment arrives. Commissioner David Lowman suggested
having Mr. David Pinter with Yancey to have someone come in and train on how to
properly use and maintain the equipment. Stating training could help with lowering the
cost of maintaining the equipment and could implement safety. Commissioner David
Lowman made a motion to approve the purchase of Caterpillar Model 309 Hydraulic
Excavator and Torrent Mulcher in the amount of$178,150.00. Commissioner Randy
Dixon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
17. Action to add the following Road Department items to the Surplus List
2001 International 2554 6x4 Dump Truck, Serial Number 1HTGCADT31H378741167,347.9 Miles
1999 International Dump Truck, Serial Number 1HGGADT5YH283905-168,976.9 Miles
2016 John Deere 75D Mini Excavator, Serial Number 1FF075DXKCG014778-3,496.5
Hours
Commissioner David Lowman made a motion to approve adding a 2001 International
2554 6x4 Dump Truck, Serial Number 1HTGCADT31H378741 with 167,349.9 miles, a
1999 International Dump Truck, Serial Number 1HGGADT5YH283905-168,976.9 Miles,
and a 2016 John Deere 75D Mini Excavator, Serial Number 1FF075DXKCG014778 with
3,496.5 hours to the county surplus list. Commissioner Randy Dixon seconded the
motion. The motion carried.

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18. County Manager’s Report-County Manager presented the August Monthly Report to the
Commissioners and audience.

County Manager’s Report for August 2026
Presented on September 8, 2026
Pierce County Board of Commissioners Meeting
COUNTY MANAGER’S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHT ACTIVIY FOR AUGUST 2026
• Met with Mr. John McCall, Engineer, to discuss construction planning for a new
food pantry. An inspection was conducted at the existing food pantry, and
potential new sites were visited. A plan is currently being developed for the
construction of a new food pantry.
• A public hazard mitigation meeting was held on August 11, 2026.
• The Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) is being updated to address land use.
• Met with County Attorney Adam Craft to discuss a plan of action for providing
building permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing building codes, as well as
discussing the functions and responsibilities of the Planning and Zoning Board.
• On August 20, 2026, a pre-bid meeting was held at the Recreation Department
with interested parties who are considering submitting bids for lawn maintenance
services.
• On August 20, 2026, County Clerk, Donna Golding met with Statewide engineers
on site at the Recreation Department on Ware Street to discuss upgrades with a
new Land and Water Conservation Grant.
• Chairman Bennett, County Clerk Donna Golding, and I met with Mayor Denison
and Mayor Thomas at Patterson City Hall to discuss the newly updated resolution
concerning the Pierce County Planning Commission Agreement. Pierce County,
the City of Offerman, and the City of Patterson have agreed to comply with the
newly updated resolution.
• On August 28, 2026, bids for lawn maintenance services at the Recreation
Department were opened.
• On August 28, 2026, pre-construction engineering discussions were held
with Statewide Civil Engineering Group and RHT Construction concerning
the Tiger Field Rehabilitation Improvements project. Various project-related
topics and construction considerations were discussed. Construction start date of
September 21, 2026.
•

•
•
•

The Ware Street and Yeomans Street recreation parking lots will be resurfaced beginning
September 9. Statewide Civil Engineering and Scruggs Construction Company will oversee
and manage the project.

September 15th at 6pm we will have a called meeting to adopt budget and tax
levy resolution at NFC Building.
Our first Hazard Mitigation meeting will be held on September 16th at 10am at
the NFC Building.
County Clerk, Donna Golding, is scheduled to attend the CDBG summit in
Valdosta September 28-30.

DEBRA TANNER, PIERCE COUNTY E911

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911 CALL REPORT BY AGENCY
PCSO 392, BPD 531, PPD 36, GSP 9, DNR 1, STA1 231, STA2 46, MUTUAL AIDE REQUEST 5,
MUTUAL AIDE RESPONSE 5, AVAC 5, CORONER 8, PATTERSON FIRE MED. ASSIST 2,
BLACKSHEAR FIRE MED. ASSIST 3, PIERCE COUNTY FIRE MED. ASSIST20,
FIRE CALLS PCFD 49, GDOT 4, GFC 0, BSFD 48, PFD 12, NSFD 4, WFD 26, BVFD 4, OFFFD
5, OTTFD 4, SSFD 12, SUNSET 7, HACKFD 19, ROAD DEPT 4, BPW 2, PPW 0
TOTAL CALLS FOR AUGUST: 1494 TOTAL 911 CALLS FOR THE YEAR: 11,800
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF, SHERIFF RAMSEY BENNETT
During the month of August The Office of the Sheriff Dispatched 877 calls for service to
deputies in addition to any calls dispatched by the 911 center. There are 123 inmates in
the Pierce County Jail.
PIERCE COUNTY EMS DIRECTOR AAS, NRP, NPQ-FOII, GA-CEM, DANIEL ROYAL
Total calls
277
Transports 179
Non Transports 96
Response from dispatch 277
Chute Time
Mutual Aid/Request to
Responded 2
Cancelled
3
Mutual Aid/Request From 5
EMS ZONE 1 226
83.1%
EMS ZONE 2 46
16.9 %
We billed out $147,847.50 and collected $62,200.00
PIERCE COUNTY MAGISTRATE JUDGE, SHELLY HERNDON
Warrants Issued (Current Period) - 98 Total
BPD: 31 (31.6%)
PCSO: 67 (68.4%)

Warrants Issued YTD - 708 Total
Using the stated YTD total of 708:
BPD: 201 (28.4%)
PCSO: 499 (70.5%)
GBI: 17 (2.4%)
GSP: 1 (0.1%)

Civil Cases Filed 35 ($1,700.00 SS Fee)
Dispo’s Filed 9 ($225.00 SS Fee)
AMV’s Filed 0 ($0.00 SS Fee)
Garnishment’s 2 ($100.00 SS Fee)
Foreclosure’s 2 ($100.00 SS Fee)
Total Civil Cases filed 48 for month of August
PIERCE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CLERK, MELISSA HOWARD
Superior Civil 16 total year 167
State Civil
17 total year 86
Superior Crm 29 total year 85
State MM
34 total year 156
State TR
33 total year 543
Adoption
1 total year
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10

GSP 108
PCSO 47
MCCD 0
DNR 0

$13152.00
10511.00
0
0

Leah Ritch, Supervisor of Pierce County Board of Elections and Registration
Registration, DDS and Felon cleanup for November General
Regional, State Election Board and SOS meetings and Webinars
Blackshear, Offerman and Patterson PFDS Ethic filings
Waiting on Ballot Proofs
5 weeks until EARLY VOTING-It all begins TODAY

CHRIS BOND, PLANNING AND FACILITIES DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Planning & Codes:

Facilities:

4 new residential home permits
80 inspections performed
3 code enforcement cases resolved
Assisted two contractors in obtaining state licensing
Fees accrued: $6,960.74

55 work orders
24 routine maintenances
Replaced AC unit at 911 Dispatch
Installed mini split at EOC
Completed plumbing renovations at EOC
Installed dehumidifier at EOC

PIERCE COUNTY ROAD SUPERINTENDENT, BRUCE CARTER
. Culverts Cleaned – 15 By Hand
· Roads built up – 5 Miles
· Ditches dug – 88
· Culverts installed/Replaced – 16
· Potholes Patched – 45, Major – 5
· Shoulders Patched – 6, Major - 3
· Signs replaced – 60
· New signs put up – 35
· Total Road miles Graded 412.42 Miles
· Total Road Grader Miles – 1,720.06 Miles.
· Loads of dirt hauled – 742
· Yards of Dirt Moved – 11,872 CuYds
· Approx. Road miles mowed – 13.82
PIERCE COUNTY FIRE CHIEF, CHRIS TODD
August Calls - 67
YTD Calls - 700
August Pierce County Fire responded to:

11

3 - Law Enforcement Support
2- Trash Fires
1 - Grass Fire
1 - Structure Room and Contents Fire
1 - Cooking fire extending into cabinets
1 - Carbon Monoxide Alarm
2 - Electrical Short Circuits
3 - Gas Leak / Gas Odor
4 - Power Lines Down
11 - Motor Vehicle Collisions
12 - Medical Calls
2 - Gunshot Wounds
6 - Lift Assist
5 - False Alarms
4 - Cancelled in Route
1 - Fire Alarm
7 - Trees Down
1 - Rescue / Extrication
Fire:
PCFD offered 10 hours of FF training
Fire 1 attended a 32-hour Fire and Life Safety Educator Course in Forsyth.
Hurst Jaws on 2201 annual service completed
E26 out of service for repairs at Tom Nehl in Waycross. Reserve Engine 2206 is in service at
Hacklebarney till repairs can be completed
2316 out of service for tank repairs at the GA Forestry Unit in Alma
EMA:
Fire 1 and Fire 2 attended a crisis track training course in Brunswick for new software on
tracking storm damage during Natural Disasters
Fire 1 and Fire 2 completed the Essential Facilities list for the upcoming Hazard Mitigation
Planning
Fire 1 and Fire 2 attended the Pierce is Prepared meeting offered by PCFC at the Pierce
County Chamber office

PIERCE COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE, MOYE HOWARD

Firearms
9 New License
18 Renewal

Subtotal

Marriage
1 Marriage-Counseling
10 Marriage-No Counseling
3 Marriage Certified Copies

Subtotal
Probate
2 Annual, Intermediate or Final Return
3 Miscellaneous Probate
4 Notice of Claim of Clain of Creditor
1 Petition for Letters of Administration
1 Petition to Compromise Doubtful Claim of Minor/Ward
6 Petition to Probate Will in Solemn Form
Subtotal

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$315.00
$396.00
$711.00
$25.75
$507.25
$30.00
$563.25
$20.00
$40.00
$60.00
$180.00
$180.00
$900.00
$1,380.00

PIERCE COUNTY RECREATION DIRECTOR, COACH MO
2026 Fall Program
- Soccer
Big Kickers 5/6 (2 teams)
Future Bears 3/4 (2 teams)
- Tackle Football (3 8U, 3 10U, 1 12U) Flag Football Coed 5/6 (3 teams)
- Girls Flag Football (1 10U and 1 12U))
- Volleyball (2 8U, 3 10U, 3 12U, 1 14U)
- Cross Country – New Program added this year.
Competed in Brantley August 22 District Warm-up Meet
§ Coed Ran by Age
§ 12u Karma Perry finished 20 out 63.
§ 10u Presley Howell finished 48 out of 78.
§ Next meet August 29th
Fall Program have surpassed the 500 mark. We now have 539 2026 Fall athletes.
September 5 – Softball Rec Night
September 10 – Volleyball Rec Night
September 18 – Fall Sports Rec Night (PCHS Football)
September 9th Both (Ware St. and Yeomans St) Parking Lots will be renovated. Projected to
be finished the same day.
September 14th – Season Starts
October 6th & 8th - Buddy Bowl / Pink Out (Breast Cancer Awareness)
October 8th Regular Season Ends. Allstar selections will begin.
NO Games for fall break October 12th – 16th
PIERCE COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER, NICOLE SCURRY
Processed 2,827 motor vehicle transactions for August.
We will be having a mobile home sale October 6th and advertisements will be in the
Blackshear Times. .
It is our goal to have a 20th tax deadline this year.
PIERCE COUNTY CORONOR, WILLIAM WILSON
37 investigated deaths for the first six months of 2026
PIERCE COUNTY ACCOUNTING CLERK, MARY SKIPPER
For the period ending July 31, 2026, total revenues collected were $12.5 million,
representing 76.2% of the budgeted revenue of $16.5 million. Total expenditures for the
same period were $8.6 million, or 52.3% of the budgeted expenditure amount of $16.5
million.
Overall, revenues continue to track ahead of expenditures, resulting in a positive financial
position through July 31, 2026.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
THOMAS W. SAULS
INTERIM, PIERCE COUNTY MANAGER

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19. Adjournment-Commissioner David Lowman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at
7:15 p.m. Commissioner Randy Dixon seconded the motion. The motion carried and
the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

_________________________
Neal Bennett
Commission Chairman

__________________________
Troy Mattox
Commissioner, District 1

__Not in Attendance_______
Graham Raley
Commissioner, District 2

_____
Randy Dixon
Commissioner, District 3

_____
David Lowman
Commissioner, District 4

Donna Golding
County Clerk

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