Commissioners learn about Black History in Middle Georgia, recognize members of Sheriff’s Office

WARNER ROBINS — In the final meeting of February, The Houston County Board of  Commissioners heard from Assistant Professor of Middle Georgia State University, Dr. Grace Adams-Square, who gave a presentation on Black History in Middle Georgia. 

Her presentation had sections dedicated to history, military, religion and politics. 

Adams-Square provided the history of Warner Robins. 

“[Warner Robins] was founded on May 15, 1821, through a treaty with Creek Indians and named by Governor John Halston, one of the first Governors of Georgia,” she said. “From 1835 to 1860, Middle Georgia was best known as pioneers in improving methods of growing cotton. Slaves were taught to become expert operatives to work efficiently without supervision.”

Adams-Square then gave history on Jody Town, an African American community that was home to civilian employees at Robins Air Force Base.

“Jody Town was a community of residents who loved and supported each other and their nation through World War II, the Korean War, the tumultuous years of the Vietnam era and the economic ups and downs of the South and throughout the country,” she said. “For the next 30 years, Jody Town became a thriving community, entrenched with economic success, with businesses, churches, entertainment, venues and recreational activities at Memorial Park. 

In 2021, Robins Air Force Base, City of Warner Robins and Jody Town neighborhood came together to unveil a historic marker honoring Jody Town. 

“The Community Reunion Committee said Jody Town served as a place for African American people to live and work during the time Warner Robins was segregated,” she said. 

Adams-Square said on Feb. 19, 2021, a crew of 33 Joint Star aviators made history as they were the first all African American  flight crew in J-Stars history flew from Robins Air Force Base on a training mission. She said this crew’s training was also  commemorating Black History Month. 

Adams-Square then highlighted Pastor of First Baptist Church of Garmon Street Josh B. Kirvin, Sr. He has been the pastor since 1980. She said Kirvin was also the first African American to serve on the Houston County Board of Education. 

Adams-Square ended her presentation with recognizing Warner Robins mayor LaRhonda Patrick. 

“[Mayor Patrick] made history as the first female-elected Mayor, first African-American Mayor and the first minority Mayor in the city’s history,” she said. 

Chairman Dan Perdue gave his thanks towards Adams-Square. 

“I loved the way your presentation wove the history of this community with black history because black history in Houston County is history in Houston County,” he said. 

The Board then recognized Captain Ricky Harlow and Sergeant Tim Leonard for their extensive service with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Harlow has served 40 years and Leonard has served 30 years.  

In new business, the Board approved water rate adjustments. Perdue said Houston County is the second largest ground-water system permit in the State and the county’s permit size is about 23.4 million gallons a day. 

“Right now we have a base rate of $9 for customers which include 2500 gallons and then after that 2500 gallons the rate per thousand is $1.77, and the other tier of customers are all $1.47 per thousand gallons,” he said. “For Fiscal Year 2024, the cost of producing water was $1.53 per thousand. If you are charging $1.47 per gallon and you are producing at $1.53 per thousand, you are losing money and our audit from FY 24 showed an operating loss in our water department.” 

Perdue explained the county needs to adjust the water rates to fund capital investments while continuing to serve growth in the cities and in the unincorporated parts of Houston County. 

The Board also approved rate adjustments for solid waste collection. 

According to the agenda, weekly trash pickup will be $13.95 per month, recycling every other week will be $8 per month, weekly yard waste pickup will be $8 per month and an extra trash refuse cart will be $9 per month. 

The agenda said this rate adjustment will begin July 1, 2025 or the first billing cycle in that month to coincide with the county’s new solid waste contract. 

The next Houston County Commissioners meeting will be held March 4 at 9 a.m. at the Houston County Courthouse located at 201 Perry Parkway. 

To view the full agenda go to www.houstoncountyga.gov/minutes/2025-02-18%20Department%20Head.pdf