Commissioners discuss military life, new national park and bank in latest meeting 

PERRY, Ga. — Life in the military, a potential new national park and a banking partnership were the main topics of discussion at the latest Houston County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 5.

The meeting started with guest speaker MSgt. Danielle Larios, command chief for Robins Air Force Base’s Air Force Reserve Command. Growing up in a military family, Larios joined the reserve in 2008 at 20 years old. 

“My dad was a retired Green Beret and his life was spent serving to give back to a country that took him in during his time of need,” Larios said. 

Larios is a first-generation American born in Vietnam. She stated that her dad pushed her to join the military and did not care which branch she joined. 

“So I did what any other kid would do. I rebelled against my dad and joined the reserve,” Larios said. “My goal was not to stay for 20 years; my goal was to get my dad off my back, so that’s why I joined.” 

Larios’ first job was in air transportation at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. 

“You can think of air transportation as the FedEx for the [Department of Defense,]” she explained. 

After Langley, Larios said she spontaneously moved to California, became an air reserve technician for a couple years, then became a military pay technician.  

After a few years, Larios led the Development and Training Flight Reserve. She had the largest flight in the command and the highest honor graduate rate. 

In January 2020, Larios moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she became a military training instructor. 

“I was able to interact and mentor over 2,000 trainees in my time there. The days were long and hard, but every eight weeks of its life cycle seemed to remind me that the work I was doing was impacting others at the start of their career,” Larios said. 

Larios went from the development of flight and training coordinator at Travis Air Force Base to running the entire command program: 41 coordinators and 8,700 personnel going into basic training. 

After her story, the commissioners shared their gratitude from one leader to another.

“Thank you for sharing your story. It is very interesting, inspirational, and we appreciate your willingness to serve and your sacrifice,” Commissioner Gail Robinson said. 

“No matter how old we are, parents know what’s best. I think your father saw potential in you and I’m very thankful that men and women of your stature are serving our country and we’re very appreciative of that, and our relationship with Robins [Air Force Base] is very important,” Commissioner Tal Talton said. 

Moving on to the agenda, commissioners held a public hearing headed by Commissioner Shane Gottwals, where various local businesses coming to Houston County were approved. A special events facility was denied. 

Chairman Dan Perdue was updated on the denied business but said it does not change their stance on the matter, as he does not think adding a driveway to Old Perry Road is realistic. 

“Mr. Andrews offered her a reluctant denial and I think that is also the feeling of this board,” Perdue said. 

Commissioners also approved a letter of support for the creation of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve. According to agenda documents, the park and reserve would grow the area and increase economic activity. It is projected to support around 3,000 jobs and bring $33.5 million in annual tax revenue.

“This sort of initiative has through lots of working in the community and working with the Native American tribes. It used to be much more aggressive in its scope, but I think it is very appropriate and it will be a good thing for this community and for our sister counties in the region,” Perdue said on the benefits of adding the national park. 

County Commissioners also renewed their contract with Mid Georgia Trucking to haul leachate to the landfill. The contract was set to expire on April 6. 

“It is not typical in this day and age where we are renewing contracts on the same terms of the previous years. So, that is good work and a good opportunity,” Commissioner Mark Byrd said.

Staying with the trucking theme, the board also approved a new 2024 Ford F450 with a Reading service body for the water department and a Big Tex trailer, costing $78,700 and $19,960, respectively.

Toward the end of the meeting, Ricardo Cornejo of Davenport & Company gave a brief presentation on why Synovus Bank would best meet the county’s banking needs. Morris Bank was also considered by commissioners.

Cornejo highlighted Synovus’s online presence as a contributing factor, as well as a dedicated team of treasury management, local staff, and the use of a government banker.

The proposal was approved 3-1. Commissioner Gottwals voted against, although confident in Synovus Bank.

“From my perspective, I just think that a second-place candidate is just a better idea for a variety of reasons, but it is basically just based on the size and the benefits of having a smaller bank,” Gottwals said. 

“Both of the top two [banks] were definitely great choices, but I’m comfortable with the recommendation that Synovus be our chosen proposal,” Commissioner Robinson said. 

The Houston County Board of Commissioners will meet again on March 19, 5 p.m., at 200 Carl Vinson Parkway in Warner Robins. 

A complete look at the meeting’s agenda and livestream can be found at https://www.houstoncountyga.org/commissioner/meeting-minutes.cms

HHJ News