Commissioners make board appointments, annexation

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — the May 2 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners was brief, but covered literal ground in their groundskeeping, and new property going to the City of Warner Robins.

Their special guest of honor that morning was SSgt. Monika Caffey, who works for the Fifth Combat Communication Support Squadron at Robins Air Force Base. Originally from Lebanon, Kentucky, Caffey was inspired to join the military after seeing the color guard at her sister’s high school orientation. At 20-years old, she joined the Air Force in 2017 after graduating from high school in Cobb County.

Originally wanting to travel as a kid, she said joining the military helped her to do that. Her first base was in Okinawa, Japan, then she moved to Korea, and then moved to Robins Air Force Base in June of 2021.

She was thrilled to move back to Georgia, and the higher civilian workforce at the base was a great way for Caffey to connect with the community, she said.

“We get a lot of face time with the locals, and the local community. We get out there and we do a lot of things,” Caffey said.

To her, teammates in her squadron are more than just coworkers.

“Ever since I have been to team Robins, I have just felt like I’ve been part of a family, that takes up the entirety of Houston County,” Caffey said.

Each commissioner thanked Caffey for her service and spoke on her passion for her career and her time at Robins Air Force Base.

Also honored at the meeting was George Felder, a maintenance supervisor in the Public Works Department. Felder has worked for the county for 27 years, and commissioners thanked him for his work by giving him a plaque, along with kind words from his supervisor, Facilities Superintendent Michael Phillips.

“He s a very valuable part of the team, and I don’t know what we would do without him,” Phillips said.

After recognitions, the commissioners moved on to new business.

Commissioners approved several home based businesses, including a real estate home inspector, inflatable rentals, plant sales, landscaping, construction material delivery and mobile pet grooming business.

The next order of business was making appointments to the county’s Library Board. Three members were reappointed, with terms set to expire in 2027.

Commissioners also unanimously approved an agreement with the city of Warner Robins, where the city will annex 5 acres of land along Highway 96. The property, located at 954 Highway 96, was given with the stipulation that utilities remain with the county.

Commissioners then approved paying of the bills, which totaled around $4.6 million.

After new business, the floor was opened for public comments.

Houston County Library Director Sarah Paulk spoke about the summer reading program set for this year, and reported that library attendance is nearly back to pre-COVID levels.

Pam Yates, a board member or Houston County Libraries, happily reported that the Friends of the Library Book Sale this year brought in $65,000 towards the library system.

Fire Chief Christopher Stoner reminded the public that a burn ban went into effect on May 1, and reported that Houston County Fire Department had the largest turnout of members from a single department who participated in the recent 911 Stair Climb event.

Finally, after public comments, commissioners made their closing comments.

Commissioner Gail Robinson thanked those attending the meeting.

Commissioner Mark Byrd deemed April 29 as Ed Dyson Appreciation Day, for Dyson, a longstanding principal of Northside High School.

Commissioner Tal Talton expressed appreciation to new businesses and to county employees.

Commissioner Shane Gottwals spoke on a recent book he had completed, saying that seeing the world through other perspectives was a central theme.

Finally, Chairman Dan Perdue reported that the audit for fiscal year 2022 came back with no issues and that the county is debt free. He also reported that the county has enough in reserve to keep the county running for 341 days, a testament to solid leadership and Houston County staff.

After Council Comments, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be on May 16 at 5 p.m. at 200 Carl Vinson Parkway. A livestream and supporting documents of this meeting can be found on the County’s website: houstoncountyga.org/commissioner/meeting-minutes.cms.

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