Newton County public meetings in 2022
49 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider several major spending items, including a $3.2 million contract for a roundabout at Kirkland Road and Jack Neely Road and a $2.9 million road resurfacing project. They will also hold public hearings on abandoning portions of Bailey Drive and Lakeside Drive and on three zoning cases, including a rezoning for commercial use on Snapping Shoals Road. Consent agenda items include accepting over $123,000 in grant funds for the District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Office.
- Contract with Summit Construction for Kirkland Road at Jack Neely Road roundabout project ($3,248,196.83 from 2017 SPLOST)
- Contract with Pittman Construction for 2022 Roadway Resurfacing Project ($2,934,518.90 from SPLOST)
- Public hearing and resolution to abandon portions of Bailey Drive and Lakeside Drive
- Rezoning request for 10.8 acres at Snapping Shoals Rd & Hwy 212 from AR to CH for commercial business
- Acceptance of VOCA grants totaling $119,474 for District Attorney's Office
The Board of Commissioners approved several major infrastructure contracts and a Local Option Sales Tax distribution certificate. They also approved two zoning requests and a joint funding agreement for a crime prosecutor.
- Approved $2,934,518.90 contract to Pittman Construction for 2022 Roadway Resurfacing Project (Unanimous)
- Approved $3,248,196.83 contract to Summit Construction & Development for Kirkland Road at Jack Neely Road Roundabout (Unanimous)
- Approved Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) Distribution Certificate allocating 75% of collections to the county (Unanimous)
- Approved $30,000 contribution for a Gang/Violent Crime Prosecutor (Unanimous)
- Approved rezoning of 10.8 acres at Snapping Shoals Rd & Hwy 212 from AR to CH (Unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for home-based business accessory structure at 3231 Hwy 212 (Unanimous)
- Approved $50,000 ARPA funding for a joint warming shelter with the City of Covington (Unanimous)
- Tabled property exchange with Gaither’s Church for 60 days (4-1)
Solid Waste Authority
The Authority approved a legal services agreement with Jarrard & Davis, LLP to establish independence from the County. Members also authorized the purchase of a professional Zoom account and agreed to a request for proposals (RFP) for woody debris shredding services.
- Approved agreement for legal services with Jarrard & Davis, LLP (All in favor)
- Approved purchase of Pro Zoom Account for $149.90 per year (All in favor)
- Approved agenda (All in favor)
- Approved minutes from 10/20/22 meeting (All in favor)
- Directed Interim Manager to initiate RFP for woody debris shredding contracts
- Scheduled Special Called Meeting for December 4 to interview Solid Waste Manager candidates
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on three rezoning requests, including a 15.76-acre parcel for heavy industrial use, a 3.1-acre site for commercial use, and a 44.26-acre property for agricultural-residential subdivision. The board will also consider right-of-way settlements for Davis Ford Road improvements, easements for a sewer main, a road resurfacing project list, and grant renewals for victim advocate positions. A final reading for an alcohol beverage license is also on the agenda.
- Rezoning of 15.56 acres at 375 Flat Rock Rd from Agricultural to Heavy Industrial (REZ22-000013)
- Rezoning of 3.1 acres at 7079 Hwy 212 from Single Family Residential to General Commercial (REZ22-000014)
- Rezoning of 44.26 acres at 46 & 50 Meadow Trl from Agricultural to Agricultural Residential for 19-lot subdivision (REZ22-000015)
- Approval of right-of-way settlement agreements for Davis Ford Road improvements (four property owners donating right-of-way)
- Approval of $1,828,001.79 in LMIG road resurfacing project list submission to GDOT
The Board of Commissioners approved $5 million in ARPA loss revenue for public safety, parks, and facility needs. They also approved a $1.8M road resurfacing list for GDOT funding and denied one rezoning request. The board directed staff to conduct further research on site locations for the Westside Youth Facility.
- Approved $5,000,000 ARPA funds for capital projects and critical needs (3-2)
- Approved $1,828,001.79 road resurfacing project list for GDOT 2023 LMIG funding (unanimous)
- Denied rezoning Case REZ22-000015 from Agricultural to Agricultural Residential (4-1)
- Tabled rezoning Case REZ22-000014 for 60 days pending a traffic study (unanimous)
- Approved ARPA allocation recommendations from iParametrics, including $200,000 for two youth transportation vans (3-2)
- Approved FY 2023 Aging Services Contract for Senior Services totaling $355,527.97 (unanimous)
- Approved four right-of-way settlement agreements for Davis Ford Road (unanimous)
- Approved four easements for the City of Covington for a 5-mile gravity sewer main (4-1)
Solid Waste Authority
The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority tabled a resolution to approve a legal services agreement with Jarrard & Davis, LLP until the November meeting. Members discussed options to reduce a woody debris pile at the landfill after an EPD inspection, with staff to present cost comparisons at the next meeting. The board also approved the October meeting minutes, the 2023 meeting schedule, and changed the November meeting date to November 16.
- Tabled Resolution R102022 for legal services agreement with Jarrard & Davis, LLP until November 16 meeting (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from September 15, 2022 SWMA Regular Meeting (unanimous)
- Approved 2023 SWMA Regular Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
- Changed November 2022 meeting to Wednesday, November 16 at same location (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board will consider several spending items, including an $8.2 million ARPA allocation for capital projects, a $20,000 impact fee update contract, and multiple parks and senior services construction contracts. A public hearing is scheduled for six zoning cases, including rezonings and a conditional use permit. The meeting also includes final readings for two alcohol licenses and a first reading for another.
- Approval of $8,200,000 in ARPA funds for county capital projects
- Professional Services Agreement Amendment 1 for Ross Associates Impact Fee Update ($20,000)
- Construction contract for Nelson Heights Pavilion ($143,362 from SPLOST)
- Design Build Contract Amendment #2 for Stone Road Concessions Building ($644,707 from impact fees)
- Public hearing for 6 zoning cases including rezonings on Henderson Mill Rd and McDonald Rd
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss allocations and recommendations for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The meeting is open to the public.
- Discussion of ARPA allocations and recommendations
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to receive final reports on the Recreation Master Plan and the Yellow River Trails System Master Plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a presentation-only meeting.
- Presentation of final Recreation Master Plan report by Lose & Associates
- Presentation of final Yellow River Trails System North & South Master Plan report
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review a site selection analysis for the Westside Youth Facility.
- Westside Youth Facility Site Selection Analysis
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session for department directors to present requests for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
- Department directors presentations regarding ARPA fund requests
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is reviewing several funding requests, including a $9.5 million contract for the Brown Bridge Road over Yellow River bridge replacement. The agenda also includes multiple grant acceptances for fire services and the Sheriff's Office, as well as discussions on warming shelters.
- Contract with Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc. for C.R. 511/Brown Bridge Road over Yellow River Bridge replacement: $9,550,693.97
- Acceptance of FY23 HEAT Grant for Newton County Sheriff’s Office: $325,889.70
- Acceptance of FY22 JAG Grant for Newton County Sheriff’s Office: $26,750.00
- Fire Services request to apply for ACCG Firefighter Cancer Awareness Grant: $15,000.00
- Fire Services request to apply for Firehouse Subs Grant for 2 motorized fire hose rollers: $18,605.00
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several infrastructure funding requests and grant applications. Key items include a loan modification for water resources and the purchase of wetland credits for a road project.
- Proposed increase of GEFA loan for Williams Street Project from $12,000,000.00 to $22,000,000.00
- Purchase of wetland credits for Access Road @ Crowell Road and I-20 Project for $613,600.00
- Professional Services Agreement Amendment #2 for Yellow River Trail System Phase 1 costing $30,500.00
- FY 2023 Transportation Services Agreement with Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for $55,000.00
- Abandonment of roadway at Bailey Drive and Lakeside Drive
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the Newton County Comprehensive Plan. This is the first scheduled public hearing on this matter.
- Newton County Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing #1
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss funding increases for water resources and public safety radio systems. The meeting includes requests for contract approvals for the Resource Court and park renovations. Members will also consider a resolution to initiate abandonment proceedings for the Fairfield Property.
- Request to increase GEFA funding for Williams Street Project from $12,000,000.00 to $22,000,000.00
- Public Safety Radio System Change Order 6v9 for $661,678.00
- Sunbelt Builders, Inc. Design Build Amendment #1 for Turner Lake Restroom Renovations for $153,103.00
- GEMA funding for a collaborative gang intelligence system for $90,000.00
- Resolution R090622A to initiate Abandonment Proceedings for Fairfield Property
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a work session regarding an update from ARPA consultants, iParametrics, LLC. The meeting is scheduled for August 31, 2022, at the Historic Courthouse.
- Update from ARPA Consultants: iParametrics, LLC
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss a request by the City of Covington to annex 55.811 acres. The meeting includes several contract approvals for water treatment and bridge replacements, as well as zoning and appeal hearings.
- Proposed annexation of 55.811 acres at Flat Shoals and Gregory Roads
- Contract for Control Instruments, Inc. (C2i) for Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility: $223,690.00
- C.R. 511/Brown Bridge Road bridge replacement contracts: $85,000.00 (GDOT), $30,500.00 (ATLAS), and $95,010.00 (NOVA Engineering)
- Contract for Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC for the Newton County Comprehensive Plan: $172,500.00
- Rezoning of 1.81 acres on Loyd Rd from Agricultural to Agricultural Residential
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is reviewing several high-cost infrastructure contracts and the FY2023 SPLOST referendum. The body is also discussing an objection to the annexation of approximately 55.8 acres near Flat Rock Road and Gregory Road.
- Contract with Wright Brothers, Inc. for C.R. 511/Brown Bridge Road over Yellow River Bridge replacement: $8,109,119.82
- Contract with CMES, Inc. for C.R. 511/Brown Bridge Road at Snapping Shoals Creek project: $4,895,895.05
- Professional Services Agreement with Iparametrics, LLC for ARPA Consulting: not to exceed $420,000.00
- Right-of-Way and Easements purchase for Crowell Road at Harold Dobbs Road Intersection: $135,370.00
- Contract with Ross Associates for Impact Fee Update: not to exceed $62,350.00
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the 2022 millage rate and the FY 2023 SPLOST project list. The meeting includes several contract approvals for professional services and infrastructure, as well as public hearings on zoning and development ordinances.
- Resolution R071922 adopting the 2022 Millage Rate for County M&O at 9.454
- Professional Services Agreement for Iparametrics, LLC (ARPA Consulting) not to exceed $420,000.00
- Probate Courtroom Renovation/Expansion contract amendment for $589,275
- Turner Lake Park Softball Complex athletic lighting retrofit for $379,784.00
- Purchase of 15 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes for $664,815.00 using unexpended FY 2022 Sheriff's funds
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session regarding the Newton County Transit Master Plan. The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Historic Courthouse.
- Newton County Transit Master Plan discussion
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting to discuss SPLOST projects. The agenda is limited to these specific project items.
- SPLOST projects
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting. The purpose is a follow-up discussion with the SPLOST Committee regarding FY2023 recommendations.
- FY2023 SPLOST Recommendations follow-up meeting
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a board meeting at the Historic Courthouse in Covington. The provided agenda contains only procedural notice and no specific discussion items or decisions.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special-called meeting to review the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The agenda includes an overview of the SPLOST and a discussion regarding the referendum timeline.
- SPLOST Overview
- Referendum Timeline
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several design and construction contracts for county parks and senior services. The body will also consider a professional services agreement for ARPA compliance and two land annexations by the City of Covington.
- ARPA Consulting Services for Iparametrics, LLC not to exceed $420,000.00
- Right-of-Way and easements for Access Road @ I-20 realignment for $330,568.00
- Design services for Springhill Community Park ($204,750.00) and Westside Youth Facility ($217,000.00)
- Proposed annexations by City of Covington at Hazelbrand Road (35.45 acres) and 233 Williams Road (38.20 acres)
- Zoning hearings for a 5-lot subdivision on Henderson Mill Rd and a gas station on Brown Bridge Rd
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to discuss proposed zoning amendments. No other items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of proposed zoning amendments
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider accepting multiple Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grants for various specialty courts. The board is also reviewing service provider and indigent defense contracts for the Juvenile Court and a resolution regarding community center leases.
- Acceptance of CJCC grants for Adult Drug Court ($262,497), Juvenile Mental Health Court ($99,038 and $299,511), Veterans Court ($92,353), and Juvenile Family Treatment Court ($72,603)
- Supplemental RSAT funding grant for the Sheriff's Office in the amount of $65,101
- Three Juvenile Accountability Court service provider contracts totaling $116,000
- Four indigent defense program contracts for the Juvenile Court totaling $167,000
- Resolution R060722 to terminate community center leases and approve new uniform policies and application procedures
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to discuss proposed zoning amendments. The meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2022, at the Historic Courthouse.
- Discussion of proposed zoning amendments
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners reviewed the proposed FY2023 Budget presented by Interim County Manager Jarvis Sims. Commissioners Sanders, Henderson, and Cowan did not approve the presentation, and the board discussed the need to schedule another public hearing.
- Proposed FY2023 Budget presentation
- Discussion of millage rate and rollback
- Discussion of Solid Waste Management Authority fees
- Discussion of funding and leasing for Gaither's
- Discussion of SPLOST
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to discuss the FY2023 Budget. This meeting allows residents to provide input on the county's proposed spending and financial plan for the next fiscal year.
- Public hearing regarding the FY2023 Budget
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several items including a $4.8 million road project and multiple land use requests. Discussion includes health insurance renewal, water resource easements, and the creation of a street lighting district.
- Awarding $4,895,895.05 contract to CMES, Inc. for Brown Bridge Road @ Snapping Shoals Creek bridge replacement
- FFA request for a $600,000.00 OneGeorgia grant to construct a horse barn
- Rezoning of 12.39 acres on H enderson Mill Rd from Agricultural to Agricultural Residential
- Rezoning of 15.82 acres at 11915 Hwy. 278 from Agricultural to Agricultural Residential
- Conditional Use Permit for a commercial Child Daycare Center at 2606, 2608 & 2610 Hwy 212
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to review proposed amendments to residential development standards. Discussions will focus on zoning district definitions, vacant residential acreage, and density charts.
- Review of residential density chart
- Proposed amendments to residential Development Standards
- Discussion of vacant acreage zoned for residential use
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to discuss proposed zoning amendments. No other items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of proposed zoning amendments
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss facilities management policies and procedures.
- Discussion of Facilities Management Policies and Procedures
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review requests for emergency equipment, courtroom renovations, and ARPA funding. The meeting includes a public hearing on extending a moratorium for new residential development zoning petitions.
- Purchase of an Aerial Fire Truck for $1,620,907.65
- Sunbelt Builder’s contract for Probate Courtroom renovations and expansion for $36,500.00
- Request to advance $175,000.00 in ARPA installment funds
- Extension of moratorium on zoning petitions for new residential development until July 19, 2022
- Final reading of alcohol license for Publix Super Markets Inc. #0744 at 13015 Brown Bridge Rd.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss a $1,620,907.65 purchase for an aerial fire truck and a contract with Piedmont Healthcare for employee services. The meeting also includes several rezoning and conditional use permit requests, as well as an agreement for July 4th fireworks.
- Purchase of an Aerial Fire Truck for $1,620,907.65
- Contract with Piedmont Healthcare for employee physicals ($100) and drug screens ($25)
- Intergovernmental Agreement for July 4th fireworks with the City of Covington for $10,000.00
- Rezoning Case REZ22-000004 for 200 Bates Road
- Rezoning Case REZ22-000005 and Conditional Use Permit CUP22-00001 for 55 Potts Lane
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to discuss the existing moratorium on new residential development. The body will consider extending the freeze on zoning petitions and preliminary plat/concept plan applications until July 19, 2022.
- Proposed extension of residential development moratorium until July 19, 2022
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss several SPLOST-funded projects for parks, recreation, and senior services. The agenda also includes a major road construction contract and an electric vehicle charging station proposal.
- Award $8,109,119.82 contract to Wright Brothers Construction for Brown Bridge Road over Yellow River
- Approve $750,000.00 amendment for Phase II Denny Dobbs Skate Park
- Approve $93,600.00 task order for Westside Youth Facility at Fairview Community Park
- Approve $84,900.00 contract to A Better Court LLC for tennis and basketball court resurfacing
- Discuss City of Covington request for an electric vehicle charging station behind the Historic Courthouse
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss several large-scale SPLOST funding requests for parks, senior services, and youth facilities. The meeting also includes discussions on juvenile court staffing, fire service equipment, and potential changes to the county mask policy.
- $3,755,000.00 SPLOST request for Westside Youth Facility
- $3,000,000.00 SPLOST request for Springhill Park
- $1,125,000.00 SPLOST request for Senior Services Expansion
- $750,000.00 SPLOST request for Denny Dobbs Skate Park
- Rezoning Case REZ22-000001: 3231 Hwy 212
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session regarding a recreation master plan. The plan was prepared by Lose and Associates.
- Recreation Master Plan by Lose and Associates
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider a budget amendment for a new fire service vehicle and multiple change orders related to the 911 radio system. The meeting also includes discussion regarding an interim county manager agreement and a first reading for a CVS Pharmacy alcohol license.
- Ratification of $13,904.00 budget amendment for a 2016 Tahoe replacement
- Change Order #2 for Tusa Consulting Services II, LLC ($116,070.00)
- Change Orders #1, 2, 3 & 5 for Motorola Solutions 911 Radio System ($533,136.00)
- Discussion of Interim County Manager agreement with Jarvis R. Sims
- First reading of alcohol license for CVS Pharmacy #8418 at 10267 Highway 36
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review a presentation regarding the county's recreation needs. The presentation covers the first draft of the Recreation Master Plan by Lose and Associates.
- Presentation of First Draft of Recreation Master Plan by Lose and Associates
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners scheduled a work session and public hearing regarding amendments to the 2020 Unified Development Ordinance. This meeting has been rescheduled for a later date.
- Amendments to the 2020 Unified Development Ordinance
Board of Commissioners
The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting. The purpose of the meeting is the appointment or hiring of the Interim County Manager.
- Appointment/Hiring of the Interim County Manager
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several grant permission requests for various courts and law enforcement. The meeting also includes consideration of three land use cases and an alcohol license.
- Permission to apply for FY '23 State Accountability Court Grants for Adult Felony, Juvenile/Family, Resource, and Veterans Treatment Courts
- Newton County Sheriff's Office request to apply for the FFY2023 HEAT Grant
- N.C. Fire Services request to apply for a $25,000 Georgia Fireworks Tax Grant
- Conditional Use Permit Case CUP21-000009 at 3185 and 3195 Hwy 212
- Future Land Use Map Amendment Case FLU21-000005 at 55 Potts Ln
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special-called meeting to conduct interviews for the interim county manager position. These interviews will take place during an executive session.
- Interviews for two finalist candidates for interim county manager
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to discuss zoning amendments. No specific votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Work session regarding Newton County Zoning Amendments
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss funding for community center renovations and the use of ARPA funds for internet and housing assistance. The meeting includes requests for veterinary services contracts and alcohol license applications.
- Request for $400,000 in SPLOST funds for Washington Street Community Center kitchen, furniture, and electrical work
- Proposed agreement with Salvation Army for ARPA Homeowner/Rental Assistance Funds
- Proposal for Paladin Wireless to build a fixed wireless internet network using ARPA Funds
- Task Order #C11 for Probate Courtroom renovations costing $38,750.00
- Task Order #C12 for SPLOST 23 Referendum Management Services costing $40,400.00
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special-called meeting to establish interview procedures and vet candidates for the interim County Manager position. The body will conduct interviews in executive session and may vote to name a finalist in public session.
- Vote on procedures for interviewing and selecting interim County Manager finalists
- Executive session for candidate interviews
- Possible vote to name finalist for Interim County Manager position
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss extending a moratorium on new residential zoning and plat petitions until April 19, 2022. The board is also reviewing a land sale agreement with the City of Covington and various grant applications.
- Resolution R011822a to extend residential development moratorium until April 19, 2022
- Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Covington for sale of ~35 acres from Newton/Covington Industrial Park
- Contract with Sunbelt for Admin Building Emergency Power design phase costing $27,500
- Conditional Use Permit CUP21-000005 for 11390 & 11368 Brown Bridge Rd and 28 Kirkland Rd
- Resolution R011822 to set qualifying fees for the 2022 election
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss a redistricting map for the Commission and School Board. The body is also considering a public works agreement with Rockdale County and various license renewals.
- Amendment #2 Change Order #1 for Williams St. Crowder Agreement: $52,761.45
- Intergovernmental agreement with Rockdale County for public works services
- Draft Newton County Commission and School Board redistricting map presentation
- Alcohol Beverage License 1st Reading: CVS 4192 Salem Road
- FY 2020 Naloxone Grant for Newton County Sheriff’s Office