Charlton County, GA

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Fire Board

Recreation Advisory Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Fire Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a kick-off public hearing for the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. The board will also consider grant authorizations and a financial report.

• Public hearing for Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
• TIME Task Force Grant Application Authorization
• Acceptance of $1,425.00 grant award from the Atlanta Falcons
• Adoption of September 2026 Financial Report

Board of Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Assessors holds a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 68 Kingsland Drive, Suite B, Folkston, GA 31537. The agenda lists routine items including approval of the agenda and minutes, homestead and VA exemptions, CUVA (conservation use) items, motor vehicle appeals, and reports from the Chief Appraiser and on finances. The agenda also includes an executive session, which is typically closed to the public. The posted agenda does not include supporting details, dollar amounts, or specific properties.

• Homestead and VA exemption items on the agenda
• CUVA (conservation use valuation) items
• Motor vehicle appeals
• Chief Appraiser Report and Financial Report
• Executive Session listed before adjournment

Recreation Advisory Board

The Recreation Advisory Board will review financial reports and provide updates on fall sports, volleyball, and basketball registration. The board is scheduled to discuss proposed changes to reservation policies and fees.

• July-Sept Financial Report
• Recreation Gym bat remediation
• Basketball registration
• Proposed changes to reservation policies and fees

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting, adopting minutes and hearing presentations, including recognition of Sue Turner's 40 years of fire department service and an EMA quarterly review. The board will also consider donating an auditorium spotlight to the school board. Public comments are limited to three minutes.

• Recognition of Sue Turner for 40 years of service in the Fire Department
• Presentation by Mckayla Carter with Gov Auction
• EMA Quarterly Executive Review (Q3)
• Motion to surplus and donate the Auditorium Spotlight to the Charlton County Board of Education

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners is holding a regular meeting that includes a presentation from Jordan Schultheis of Earth Bond, LLC. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation from Jordan Schultheis with Earth Bond, LLC

Fire Board

The Charlton County Fire Board meets Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM at 97 Railroad Street in Folkston. The board will vote on its September 2026 financial report and the minutes from September 22, 2025, and will discuss repairing ceiling tiles at Station #1 and converting a part-time fire administrative assistant position to full-time. Reports cover fire run totals, the OWLR, Georgia Forestry Commission, grant opportunities, and the junior program, plus recognition of Sue Turner for 40 years of service. A Red Cross representative is scheduled to speak, and an executive session is listed.

• Discussion of repairing and replacing ceiling tiles at Station #1
• Discussion of replacing the part-time fire administrative assistant with a full-time position
• Vote to approve the September 2026 financial report
• Fire run reports: 131 calls in August 2026; 74 calls through September 23
• Recognition of Sue Turner for 40 years of service to the Fire Department

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold a regular meeting to conduct official business. The agenda includes reviewing appeals for motor vehicles, homestead and VA exemptions, and CUVA applications.

• Review of ACOs
• Homestead and VA Exemption reviews
• CUVA applications
• Motor Vehicle Appeals
• Chief Appraiser and Financial reports

The Board appointed Yolanda Carter as chairman and approved September ACOs and Homesteads. The Board also reviewed and decided on four motor vehicle value appeals.

• Appointed Yolanda Carter as chairman
• Approved September ACOs (unanimous)
• Accepted September Homesteads (unanimous)
• Set Minnick motor vehicle value at $6,937.50 (unanimous)
• Set Webb motor vehicle value at $1,500 (unanimous)
• Set Thomas motor vehicle value at $1,200 (unanimous)
• Set Crews motor vehicle value at $1,200 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with routine administrative items, including adopting minutes and the August 2026 financial report. They will vote on purchases of two dump trucks and a CAT 430 backhoe, an agreement for a scrap tire amnesty event, and a resolution to submit a pre-application for Land and Water Conservation Fund funding. They will also appoint applicants to two vacant Recreation Advisory Board terms.

• Motion to approve purchase of two dump trucks
• Motion to approve purchase of CAT 430 backhoe
• Motion to execute agreement for Scrap Tire Amnesty Event
• Motion to adopt resolution to submit pre-application for Land and Water Conservation Fund
• Motion to appoint applicants to two unexpired vacant terms on Recreation Advisory Board

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

General

The Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to adopt the 2026 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST). The agenda also includes motions for the City of Folkston and the City of Homeland to adopt the 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement.

• Resolution for the 2026 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) adoption
• 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement for the City of Folkston
• 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement for the City of Homeland
• Authorization for Chairwoman Benefield to execute the FLOST agreement

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution calling for the 2026 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum, and the City of Folkston adopted the 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement. The City of Homeland did not vote on the agreement because it lacked a quorum and will consider it at its regular meeting on September 10, 2026. The county also approved a resolution authorizing Chairwoman Benefield to execute the agreement. The minutes state both cities and the county would receive approximately a 24% reduction in taxes if collections go as planned.

• Adopted resolution calling for 2026 FLOST referendum (unanimous)
• Folkston adopted 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement (unanimous)
• Homeland did not vote on FLOST agreement due to lack of quorum
• Authorized Chairwoman Benefield to execute 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 10:14 AM (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider nominations for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk positions. The agenda also includes a presentation on government finance and budget processes.

• Nominations for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Discussion and consideration of bylaws
• Presentation on understanding government finance and budget
• Setting the meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including a road abandonment petition, a motion to withdraw from a hazard mitigation grant due to delays, and an agreement for technical assistance on a hazard mitigation plan update. The board will also discuss amending or repealing an ordinance related to its role as local issuing authority, and make appointments and recognitions.

• Roadway abandonment petition from L. Gowen
• Authorize EMA Director Yearwood to withdraw from HMGP 4830 due to GEMA processing delays
• Agreement with South Georgia Regional Commission for hazard mitigation plan technical assistance
• Appoint Commissioner Everett as voting delegate for 2027 Legislative Leadership Conference
• Discuss amending or repealing Ordinance Chapter 130 Article II regarding local issuing authority duties

The Board voted unanimously to withdraw from HMGP 4830, the warning sirens grant, citing GEMA processing delays and deadline compression; the county can reapply later with no penalties. Commissioners also approved a $28,560 contract with the Southern Georgia Regional Commission for a Hazard Mitigation Plan update, and approved a roadway abandonment petition from Vice Chairman Gowen, who recused himself and abstained. A proposal to repeal or amend the county's Local Issuing Authority ordinance was tabled for more research. An executive session on possible litigation ended with no action taken.

• Approved roadway abandonment petition from L. Gowen (4-0, Gowen abstained)
• Withdrew from HMGP 4830 warning sirens grant due to GEMA delays (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairwoman Benefield to execute $28,560 SGRC hazard mitigation plan contract (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Everett as voting delegate for 2027 Legislative Leadership Conference (unanimous)
• Tabled LIA ordinance repeal/amendment for more research (unanimous)
• Adopted August 20 regular meeting minutes and August 18 joint FLOST minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session on possible litigation; no action taken

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

At a special call meeting, the Charlton County Board of Elections and Registration voted unanimously to recommend increasing Supervisor of Elections Will Nance's salary from $38,556 to $50,000, sending the proposal to county commissioners for their September 18, 2025 budget meeting. The Board also unanimously approved requesting a part-time clerical assistant for the elections office, about 20 hours a week with no benefits, not to be filled until January 2026 if commissioners approve. Both items are recommendations to the county commissioners, not final decisions. The Board also noted the office will be closed September 1, 2025 for Labor Day and set its next meeting for September 16, 2025.

• Approved recommending Supervisor of Elections salary increase from $38,556 to $50,000 (unanimous)
• Approved requesting a part-time clerical assistant, about 20 hours/week, no benefits (unanimous)
• Salary and assistant proposals forwarded to Charlton County Commissioners for September 18, 2025 budget meeting
• Adjourned at 10:42 am (unanimous)

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

General

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine items including minutes, purchases, and resolutions. Key actions include ratifying emergency ambulance repairs, approving two dump trucks, and relinquishing local authority for land disturbance permits.

• Ratify emergency ambulance repairs by Tom Nehl for $7,087.85
• Approve purchase of two dump trucks
• Ratify emergency agreement with ServPro for bat exclusion and cleanup
• Adopt resolution authorizing SGRC to apply for FY2028 Rural Public Transit funds from GDOT
• Relinquish local issuing authority for land disturbance permits

The Board voted unanimously to give up its status as Local Issuing Authority for Land Disturbance permits under the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act, citing a lack of manpower, and authorized Chairwoman Benefield to sign the necessary documents. Commissioners also ratified $7,087.85 in emergency ambulance repairs and a ServPro bat exclusion and cleanup agreement, adopted a resolution letting SGRC apply for FY2028 rural transit funds, and accepted the July 2026 financial report. Gary Tippins' resignation from the Board of Tax Assessors was accepted and Cynthia Nettles was appointed to a special term ending December 31, 2030. The purchase of two dump trucks was tabled, and no action was taken after an executive session on personnel and real estate.

• Relinquished county's Local Issuing Authority status for Land Disturbance permits (unanimous)
• Ratified emergency ambulance repairs by Tom Nehl, $7,087.85 (unanimous)
• Ratified emergency ServPro agreement for bat exclusion and cleanup (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution authorizing SGRC to apply for FY2028 Rural Public Transit funds from GDOT (unanimous)
• Adopted July 2026 Financial Report (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Gary Tippins from Board of Tax Assessors (unanimous)
• Appointed Cynthia Nettles to Board of Tax Assessors, term Aug 21, 2026 to Dec 31, 2030 (unanimous)
• Tabled purchase of two dump trucks until next meeting (unanimous)

General

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

The Charlton County Board of Elections & Registration met on August 19, 2026, with all members present. The minutes record discussion only — no motions or votes — on raising poll worker pay to $11 and Board member pay to $15 for 2027, requiring background checks for poll workers before each election, and removing $500 in overtime from the budget. The board also discussed a Ballot Marking Device (BMD) issue and will wait for further action or resolution, and noted that ballot image requests should go to the Secretary of State's Ballot Image Repository. The only recorded action was a motion by Teresa Guinn, seconded by Cathy Daniels, to adjourn at about 11:15 AM.

• Adjourned meeting at approximately 11:15 AM (motion by Teresa Guinn, seconded by Cathy Daniels)
• No vote recorded on increasing poll worker pay to $11 for 2027 — discussed only
• No vote recorded on increasing Board member pay to $15 for 2027 — discussed only
• No vote recorded on requiring a background check for every poll worker before each election — discussed only
• No vote recorded on removing $500 in overtime from the budget — discussed only
• BMD (Ballot Marking Device) issue: board will wait for further action or resolution
• Ballot image requests directed to the Secretary of State's Ballot Image Repository

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

The Charlton County Board of Elections and Registration met on August 19, 2026, with all members present. The board discussed several administrative items, including increasing poll worker pay to $11 and board member pay to $15 for 2027, requiring background checks for poll workers, and removing $500 in overtime from the budget. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; all items were only discussed.

• Discussed increasing poll worker pay to $11 for 2027
• Discussed increasing Board member pay to $15 for 2027
• Discussed requiring background checks for poll workers before each election
• Discussed removing $500 in overtime from the budget
• Discussed BMD issue; board will wait for further action
• Noted open-records requests for ballot images should go to Secretary of State's repository

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider adopting a resolution for the 2026 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum and an intergovernmental agreement. The agenda includes motions by the county and the cities of Folkston and Homeland to approve the agreement, with the county also authorizing Chairwoman Benefield to execute it. This is a procedural step to place the sales tax question on the ballot and formalize revenue-sharing arrangements.

• Adoption of resolution for 2026 FLOST referendum
• Adoption of 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement by City of Folkston
• Adoption of 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement by City of Homeland
• County resolution approving FLOST agreement and authorizing Chairwoman Benefield to execute

Board of Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Assessors will convene to approve minutes, review appraisal and financial reports, and address motor vehicle and homestead appeals. The meeting will conclude with an executive session.

• Approval of Minutes
• Chief Appraiser Report
• Financial Report
• Motor Vehicle Appeals
• Homesteads/ VA Exemption

The Charlton County Board of Assessors approved its August agenda, July minutes, ACOs, one VA homestead exemption, and August CUVA applications, all by unanimous votes. In the one substantive contested item, the Board set a 2017 work truck's assessed value at $7,500 after the County said $15,000 and a bill of sale showed $4,000. The Chief Appraiser reported 53% of the budget used, about 300 appeals, and that a copy machine is being sought. The meeting adjourned at 6:17 PM.

• Approved agenda with date changed to August 13 (unanimous)
• Approved July minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August ACOs (unanimous)
• Approved one VA homestead exemption (unanimous)
• Approved August CUVA applications (unanimous)
• Set motor vehicle appeal value at $7,500 for a 2017 truck, 201,346 miles (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 6:17 PM (unanimous)

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the FLOST process and next steps. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discuss FLOST process and next steps

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will vote on resolutions regarding the TREES Act and federal coordination for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The meeting includes petitions for tax relief and a variance, as well as an updated roadway abandonment policy.

• Tax Penalty and Interest Relief Petition from B. Krick
• Variance Petition from L. Smith
• Resolution regarding Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation
• Participation in the Timberlands Recovery, Exemption, and Earning Stability (TREES) Act
• Updated Alleyway and Roadway Abandonment Policy

General

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to request legislation allowing a technology fee charged by the Probate/Magistrate Court, and on raising recreation fees to $60. Other actions include awarding a guaranteed energy savings performance contract, executing agreements with OREMC for a fire station tower and with Unison Behavioral Health, and appointing two new members to the Board of Tax Assessors.

• Motion to adopt resolution requesting a technology fee for Probate/Magistrate Court
• Motion to approve raising recreation fees to $60.00
• Motion to award bid for Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract
• Motion to authorize agreement with OREMC for Georgia Bend Fire Station Tower
• Motion to appoint two new members to the Board of Tax Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners approved several major items, including awarding a Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract to ABM, authorizing a 20-year tower lease with OREMC for the Georgia Bend Fire Station, and raising recreation fees to $60. They also approved the purchase of an AC unit for the Sheriff's Office, tree removal near St. George Elementary, and a resolution supporting a technology fee for the Probate/Magistrate Court. Several items were tabled, including a certificate of recognition, a mutual aid MOU with D. Ray James Processing Center, and appointments to the Board of Tax Assessors.

• Awarded Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract to ABM (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairwoman to execute 20-year tower lease with OREMC for Georgia Bend Fire Station (unanimous)
• Approved raising recreation fees to $60, except track (unanimous)
• Approved $10,978.77 purchase and replacement of AC coil and TXV for Sheriff's Office (unanimous)
• Authorized contract with S&T Tree Service for tree/stump removal near St. George Elementary (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution requesting legislation for technology fee for Probate/Magistrate Court (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution consenting to deannexation of property from City of Folkston (unanimous)
• Tabled mutual aid MOU with D. Ray James Processing Center until concerns addressed (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Assessors holds a regular meeting to consider appeals, homestead and VA exemptions, CUVA updates, and hear the chief appraiser's report. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from May and financial reports. No major policy changes or contracts with dollar amounts are listed.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Homestead and VA exemption matters
• CUVA (Current Use Value Assessment) updates
• Appeals to be heard
• Chief Appraiser report and Financial report

The Charlton County Board of Assessors met on July 14, 2026, and approved the agenda, May minutes, ACOs, homesteads, and CUVA applications. The board denied a motor vehicle appeal, keeping the state's value. No other substantive decisions were made; the financial report was noted as not updated.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June and July ACOs (unanimous)
• Approved June and July homesteads (unanimous)
• Approved June and July CUVAs (unanimous)
• Denied motor vehicle appeal, kept state's value (unanimous)

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a call to order, invocation, and pledge. The only substantive item is a presentation from Jeff Meyer and Doug Davis. No other business items are listed.

• Presentation from Jeff Meyer and Doug Davis

The Board heard a presentation from Doug Davis and Jeff Meyer about future phases of The Farm at Okefenokee and complementary projects, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and finish within 5-10 years. No formal action was taken; the presenters requested a general letter of support, but the Board agreed to hold further staff discussions before drafting any letter. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other decisions made.

• Deferred drafting letter of support for Farm at Okefenokee expansion pending staff discussions

Recreation Advisory Board

The Charlton County Recreation Advisory Board will consider the Recreation Facility Improvement Plan. The board will also receive updates on golf and tennis, the baseball season, and fall sports registration. No decisions or contracts are listed in the agenda.

• Discuss Recreation Facility Improvement Plan
• Discuss Golf & Tennis Seasonal Update
• Discuss Baseball Season Wrap Up
• Discuss Fall Sports Registration

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the adoption of an Open Roads Policy resolution. The board will also consider the purchase of a new grapple loader and body.

• Resolution for Open Roads Policy
• Purchase of a new grapple loader and body

The commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a new grapple loader body for $133,600, selecting Sansom Equipment Company. They also unanimously adopted the Georgia Open Roads Policy resolution, opening the county to grant opportunities. The board entered an executive session to discuss possible litigation and real estate, then adjourned. A special called meeting was scheduled for July 7, 2026.

• Approved purchase of new grapple loader body ($133,600) – unanimous
• Adopted Open Roads Policy resolution – unanimous
• Amended agenda to include executive session – unanimous
• Adopted June 18, 2026 meeting minutes – unanimous
• Entered executive session on possible litigation and real estate – unanimous (no action taken)
• Scheduled special called meeting for July 7, 2026 – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous