James Burgess

May 2025 Regular Session Summary – Turner County Board of Commissioners

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The May 2025 regular session of the Turner County Board of Commissioners, chaired by James Burgess, began with the invocation, pledge of allegiance, and approval of the agenda and minutes from the April 1 and April 29 meetings. Additions to the agenda included new equipment bids, mobile phone stipends, and guest speakers from CASA and Ruth’s Cottage.

Awards & Recognition

  • 4-H students were honored by Mrs. Lynn Davis for achievements in public speaking and community service. Several students are advancing to state competitions.

Public Comments

  • Representatives from CASA and Ruth’s Cottage spoke on their work with children and domestic violence victims, highlighting volunteer needs, service impacts, and funding challenges.
  • Ruth’s Cottage noted limited shelter use in Turner County and advocated for broader community education and visibility.

New Business Actions Taken

  1. MOU with Turner County Schools (for facilities and maintenance) was approved to initiate partnership discussions.
  2. IGA with the City of Ashburn (animal control services) was approved initiate partnership discussions.
  3. Liquor by the Drink Ordinance was officially adopted.
  4. Reappointments were confirmed:
    • Jerry Lewis to the Family and Children Services Board.
    • Juretha McMillian to the Aging Advisory Council Board.
  5. A proposal to require updated job classifications from departments before budget planning failed for lack of motion.
  6. Victims Assistance CD funds: $55,000 allocated ($5,000 to DA’s office for admin support; $45,000 split evenly between CASA, Ruth’s Cottage, and DA Victim Services); approximately $62,000 retained in reserve.
  7. Initial quarterly disbursement adjustment for victim assistance (prior to executive session):
    • CASA: 60%
    • DA Victim Services: 20%
    • Ruth’s Cottage: 20%
  8. Shared space agreement approved for CASA and State Court in the same building, with CASA’s rent reduced to $500/month and utilities covered by the county.
  9. Appointment of Jamara Ship as County Attorney was approved.
  10. County Branding: Three logos were adopted—one as the official seal and two for marketing. A Facebook page will be created for updates.
  11. LRA Grant Application for road projects was approved.
  12. Elevator Compliance Upgrade: $10,370 was approved to meet state code requirements.
  13. Mobile Phone Stipends: Approved $50/month stipend or the option for a county-issued phone for department heads and board members.
  14. Equipment Bids for a motor grader and backhoe were approved.
  15. Executive Session Minutes were approved.

Updates & Appointments

  • Commissioner Denham was appointed to lead a committee in partnership with Mercer University to explore OneGeorgia grant funding for local health initiatives.
  • Plans are underway to visit Lanier County’s grant-funded health department as a model for Turner County.

Public Comments (Continued)

  • Speakers from Ruth’s Cottage and other partners underscored the depth of services being provided and requested continued financial support.

Final Action After Executive Session

Following executive session, the Board revoted on the victim assistance disbursements and adopted a revised allocation:

  • CASA: 50% (previously 60%)
  • DA Victim Services: 20% (no change from initial adjustment, previously 5%)
  • Ruth’s Cottage: 30% (increased from the 20% initially proposed after earlier revision, previously 35%)

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