Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE), 3338 Country Club Road Ste. L PMB 336, Valdosta, GA (2025)

07/04/2025

Two rezonings and a beer and wine license @ LCC Packet 2025-07-07

The split-vote rezoning for “a large warehouse-type campus” has arrived from the Planning Commission: REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Road, ~719 ac, C-C, R-1, & CON, to M-1 & CON, County Utilities.

The Lowndes County Commission will also consider a rezoning for an RV park north of Hahira, REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 US HWY 41 N, ~21ac, R-21 to PD-R, Well & Septic.

And Beer & Wine License – Mustapha Ndure of Wawa Southeast, LLC DBA WAWA Store #6308 located at 4598 North Valdosta Rd., Valdosta, GA.

[Collage @ LCC Packet 2025-07-07]

The seven conditions that the Planning Commission recommended by a 4:3 vote for the warehouse rezoning are:

1. There shall be no access to Briarberry Drive and Quail Hollow
Circle from the subject property.

2. Should a change in use occur where additional transportation and/or
water/sewer infrastructure upgrades are required, the Developer
will be responsible for the design, any acquisition of necessary
right-of-way, relocation of utilities, and construction costs for
the infrastructure improvements.

3. All lots shall front interior roads.

4. A 200' undisturbed buffer shall be required along the Northern, and
Southern property lines abutting current Residential Zoning
District boundaries.

5. Any lighting located on the property shall be shielded and directed
to avoid direct illumination of adjacent properties zoned
Residentially.

6. Any loudspeakers, paging systems, or electromagnetic interference
generated on or by uses of the property shall be designed,
installed and used such that they are not discernable at any
abutting property line zoned Residentially.

7. Correctional Facilities, Transitional Care Facilities, and Kennels
with Outdoor Runs shall not be allowed.

Here is the agenda.

The board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website, with images of each page below.

See also the LAKE videos of the preceding Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) meeting.

LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROPOSED AGENDA
WORK SESSION, MONDAY, JULY 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
327 N. Ashley Street - 2nd Floor

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
4. Minutes for Approval
a. June 23, 2025, Work Session Minutes & June 24, 2025,
Regular Session Minutes
b. June 23, 2025 Budget Public Hearing Minutes
c. June 30, 2025, Special Called Meeting (Budget Adoption)
Minutes
5. Public Hearing
a. REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 US HWY 41 N, ~21ac, R-21
to PD-R, Well & Septic
Documents:REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 US HWY 41 N.pdf
b. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Road, ~719
ac, C-C, R-1, & CON, to M-1 & CON, County Utilities
Documents:REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman
Road.pdf
6. For Consideration
a. Beer & Wine License - Mustapha Ndure of Wawa Southeast,
LLC DBA WAWA Store #6308 located at 4598 North Valdosta Rd.,
Valdosta, GA
Documents:Beer and Wine License - Mustapha Ndure of Wawa
Southeast, LLC DBA WAWA Store 6308 located at 4598 North
Valdosta Rd., Valdosta, GA.pdf
7. Reports - County Manager
8. Citizens Wishing to be Heard-Please State Your Name and Address
9. Adjournment

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25100

07/03/2025

Videos: Two Lowndes County rezonings @ GLPC 2025-06-30

The first rezoning sailed through the Planning Commission Monday evening. They unanimously recommended approval for 3. REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 U S Highway 41 R-21 to PD-R.

[Collage @ GLPC 30 June 2025]

Speaking for the second rezoning, 4. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd C-C R-1 CON to M-1 CON, Pope Langdale said that because of the railroad, which also often has a train parked on it, something would have to change to enable developing the part east of the railroad.

[Pope Langdale spoke for REZ-2025-11]

What could change is they could get access from US 41 through the 71 acres owned by DJ Land & Development LLC. The same company owns the most southwest lot in Foxborough, at 4662 Briarberry Drive. That’s another way access could be provided to the rezoning subject property: through Briarberry Drive. Quail Hollow, off of Foxborough Blvd., also deadends into the subject property. I suppose that’s what the first condition is about.

[Against: Dr. Jeana B. Seemann, 4634 Briarberry Drive]

Speakers against included Dr. Jeana B. Seemann, 4634 Briarberry Drive, at 15 minutes and 10 seconds. That’s on the west side of Foxbury, about 674 feet from the north border of the east tract of the subject property. She is worried about drop in home values due to noise from industrial activities. She thinks the proposed 200-foot buffer zone is less than a football field, and is not enough.

Also, red cockaged wood peckers and gopher tortoises are prevalent on the subject property, as she observed during a project at VSU. Less trees means more erosion.

She said noise was already a problem because Mr. Motley (who is the Registered Agent for DJ Land & Development LLC, had recently clearcut the land directly to her west. She did not note, but I will, that that would make it easier for any future decision to provide access through that tract to the rezoning subject east tract.

Dr. Seemann would like more protection for all of that than the intent of the current landowner.

[Against: Gretchen Quarterman, 6565 Quarterman Road]

Also speaking against was Gretchen Quarterman, 6565 Quarterman Road, at 19 minutes and 45 seconds. She said she wasn’t necessarily speaking against. But the subject property is directly across the Withlacoochee River from Langdale Park, which is chronically flooded. She wants to make sure the river is corrected. She noted that while crossing the railroad could be very difficult, that doesn’t mean it is impossible.

[Against: Jeana Strickland, ???? Briarberry Drive]

Another speaker was Jeana Strickland(?), at 21 minutes and 4 seconds, She said, “I also live on Briarberry.” I don’t know where, because I don’t see anybody by that name on Briarberry in the Lowndes County Tax Assessors maps. Anyway, she noted that some of the subject land appeared to be for sale. Also, she said many of the houses on Briarberry had flooded recently. She worried that the proposed development could cause more flooding. And a 200-foot buffer zone wasn’t much against flooding.

[Against: Windy Scott, 4629 Briarberry Drive]

Windy Scott, 4629 Briarberry Drive, at 22 minutes and 13 seconds, said there was an apartment complex going up across the street, making traffic already horrendous. She worried that this proposed rezoning would make traffic and accidents worse.

[Against: Don Driebelbis, 4629 Rustic Ridge Road]

Don Driebelbis, at 24 minutes, said he lives at 4629 Rustic Ridge Road. That’s on the south edge of Foxborough, adjoining the rezoning subject property. He said he works for a trucking company, and due to his experience, he worries about hazardous spills. Also crime, with people breaking into cars and houses.

The Planning Commissioners discussed with County Planner JD Dillard, including that the zoning and conditions would stay with the property, regardless of any future owner. Any changes would require going back through the rezoning process.

They voted to recommend approval with conditions by a 4 to 3 vote with the seven conditions recommended by staff.

The seven conditions are:

There shall be no access to Briarberry Drive and Quail Hollow Circle from the subject property.
Should a change in use occur where additional transportation and/or water/sewer infrastructure upgrades are required, the Developer will be responsible for the design, any acquisition of necessary right-of-way, relocation of utilities, and construction costs for the infrastructure improvements.
All lots shall front interior roads.
A 200′ undisturbed buffer shall be required along the Northern, and Southern property lines abutting current Residential Zoning District boundaries.
Any lighting located on the property shall be shielded and directed to avoid direct illumination of adjacent properties zoned Residentially.
Any loudspeakers, paging systems, or electromagnetic interference generated on or by uses of the property shall be designed, installed and used such that they are not discernable at any abutting property line zoned Residentially.
Correctional Facilities, Transitional Care Facilities, and Kennels with Outdoor Runs shall not be allowed.
Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the packet materials for the two Lowndes County cases and the agenda.

1. Call to Order, Pledge and Invocation
Video:
https://youtu.be/WvRMavRWemI

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) Regular Session – 2025-06-30

Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

1. Call to Order (part 2)
Video:
https://youtu.be/wLPoaYp8CGk

2. Approval of the Meeting Minutes: May 27, 2025
Video:
https://youtu.be/JHdXZ-v6CDQ

3. REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 U S Highway 41 R-21 to PD-R
Video:
https://youtu.be/kzSR9t_7QGI

3. REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 U S Highway 41 N., 0043 004, ~21.12 acres
Current Zoning: R-21 (Medium Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning: PD-R (Rural Planned Development)

Approved unanimously

4. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd C-C R-1 CON to M-1 CON
Video:
https://youtu.be/wKqGfhgnX1A

4. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd., a portion of 0055 021, ~719 acres
Current Zoning: C-C (Crossroads Commercial), R-1 (Low Density Residential) and
CON (Conservation District)
Proposed Zoning: M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and CON (Conservation District)

The reason they are asking for CC is to have buildings larger that 30,000 square feet.

Pope Langdale spoke for the project.
Several people spoke against.

Vote was 4-3 to approve with seven conditions.

Meeting Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/J8Sig0wpOHc

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiExjMJVSXv-C-KdDc-R2RAQ&si=l8Goz5aHuQazEByu

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25097

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/2025/07/videos-two-lowndes-county-rezonings-glpc-2025-06-30.html

06/30/2025

Videos: Special Called Meeting to adopt FY 2026 Budget @ LCC 2025-06-30

Only two voting Commissioners were present: Demarcus Marshall and Michael Smith.

Commissioner Scottie Orenstein rushed in to complete a quorum of the Lowndes County Commission.

Commissioners Joyce Evans and Mark Wisenbaker were absent.

Apparently there was an agenda, although it is not on the county’s website.

At the end Chairman Bill Slaughter mentioned they would set the millage once they got the tax digest.

[Collage @ LCC 30 June 2025]

This meeting took four and a half minutes, even counting the minute saying they would recess until there was a quorum, and the 45 seconds of Chairman’s comments at the end thanking Finance Director Stephanie Black.

It is still mysterious why they couldn’t schedule this vote to be during their Regular Session last week, and why they only announce this Monday morning meeting Friday afternoon.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the Public Notice and the LAKE videos of Public Hearing and the presentation slides.

1. Call to Order. Recess because there was not a quorum
Video:
https://youtu.be/nHsr8HDpROs

Lowndes County Board of Commissioners – Special Called Session – 2025-06-30

Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

2. Consideration of FY 2026 budget (after meeting was reconvened)
Video:
https://youtu.be/_CogA8aDnI4

After a 16 minute recess, a quorum was established (3 commissioners).
The FY 26 budget was approved as presented.

3. Hotel Motel Tax and Tourism Budget
Video:
https://youtu.be/XdJZDpQaGGg

The Hotel /Motel tax and tourism budget was approved.

4. Other Comments and Meeting Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/wBleUbcYeOo

There was an agenda in the chambers, but on on the web site, so I improvised the names of the items.

Minus the recess, the meeting took 5 minutes.

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiFnyAkZiavmz_nNpWoTQ137&si=rjbaS-fMbBeuwwO5

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25090

06/30/2025

Notice: Special Called Meeting to adopt FY 2026 Budget @ LCC 2025-06-30

Lowndes County announced this 8:30 AM Monday meeting on Friday afternoon.

Why they have to have it during a workday is mysterious.

I hear they have to adopt the budget by the end of the month, but they could have scheduled the previous Public Hearing early enough to adopt the budget at last week’s Regular Session.

And if they knew they had to adopt by the end of the month, they could have announced the date of adoption at the Public Hearing.

[Notice: Special Called Meeting, to adopt FY 2026 Budget, Announced Friday, @ LCC Monday 2025-06-30]

For the LAKE videos of the Public Hearing and the presentation slides, see previous post.
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25068

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25086

06/27/2025

Videos: Hurricane Recovery, Library Board, Courts, Insurance, Animal Services, Loan to Valdosta Housing Authority @ LCC Regular 2025-06-24

Hurricane preparedness and recovery took most up of the 22-minute Regular Session of the Lowndes County Commission Tuesday.

[Collage @ LCC 24 June 2025]

The Commissioners appointed Sam Clemons to the Lowndes County Library Board. Monday morning at the Work Session, Malcom Warren was the only applicant, but he was not even nominated at the Regular Session.

They approved everything else unanimously, with little discussion.

They did talk about body cameras in 7.c. Axon Renewal Contract for Animal Services. Apparently they’re used to de-escalate tense confrontations, when people see the camera.

County Manager Paige Dukes in her Reports discussed the confusion over tax assessment notices. The Tax Assessors staff sent out what the state required, which did not include the millages for Parks and Rec., Industrial Authority, or Fire. Thus people may have thought their tax bills would be significantly lower than they actually will be. She was alerted to this when the Chief Appraiser pointed out that there were not many appeals to property valuations.

Apparently sending out a revised letter including the millage would not be allowed by state law, but they can send out an additional letter noting the discrepency. I think that’s what she said they are going to do. Or maybe it was to send a letter omitting all mention of millage. Wasn’t clear to me.

And of course, the county’s opt-out from the state homestead exemption won’t take effect until the citizens vote it in, in November I think. Chairman Bill Slaughter noted that the county has better homestead exemptions. People have to apply for the exemptions, because the assessors don’t know ages of the taxpayers.

Meghan Barwick was to host a PIO meeting Friday (today) about how to talk about storm season now that we’re in it.

EMA Director Ashley Tye gave a long presentation on Long Term Recovery from hurricanes and other disasters. This includes asking those who need help how much their insurance covers and finding out what else can be handled by FEMA or whoever.

There were no Citizens Wishing to be Heard, so they adjourned the meeting, after 22 and a half minutes.

Commissioner Joyce Evans was absent.

On Thursday (now yesterday), EMA Director Ashley Tye was to go to Atlanta to pick up two reimbursement checks, one for Hurricane Idalia and another for Hurricane Helene, for a total of $4.7 million. I’m guessing that’s state funds. ###

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the LAKE videos of the previous morning’s Work Session and the agenda and the board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request.

1. Call to Order 2. Invocation 3. Pledge
Video:
https://youtu.be/6QM1-RxFG2o

Lowndes County Board of Commissioners – Regular Session – 2025-06-24

Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

5. Minutes for Approval
Video:
https://youtu.be/NqxObLbxyJU

5.a. Appointment – Lowndes County Library Board
Video:
https://youtu.be/aqgVJsE3IZk

Mr Sam Clemons was appointed to the library board. Not Mr. Malcom Warren who was the only applicant yesterday.

7.a. Lowndes County Juvenile Accountability Court FY26 Budget – Grant Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/ZAiQUFRxGRY

7.b. ACCG IRMA Property – Liability Insurance Renewal
Video:
https://youtu.be/bJEDOYnYndo

7.c. Axon Renewal Contract for Animal Services
Video:
https://youtu.be/zkYTF_5oCIM

7.d. Lowndes County Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match
Video:
https://youtu.be/yiK877-Nn5E

7.e. Lowndes County DUI Court FY 26 Grant Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/VH6Z2LeNR7w

7.f. Valdosta Housing Authority Request for Loan
Video:
https://youtu.be/whodKLhmfrw

8. Reports – County Manager
Video:
https://youtu.be/C735XblEj-k

8. Reports – County Manager – Long Term Recovery – Ashley Tye
Video:
https://youtu.be/F7ZhA2h3YnI

9. CWTBH – (none)
Video:
https://youtu.be/BgXo6K9Jbkk

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiEYrTvrCWJsu4Ia0qeY_LfS&si=zW3cDNzLV5NB59Ag

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25081

06/26/2025

Packet: Two Lowndes County rezoning materials @ GLPC 2025-06-30

As promised, JD Dillard and BOC Records provided the packet materials for the two county rezonings on the agenda for the Monday evening Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) meeting. Staff wants conditions on one, but not the other.

[An RV park and a large warehouse type campus @ GLPC 2025-06-30]

Staff lists conditions, but does not propose including them as conditions in approval, for the RV park north of Hahira halfway to Cecil, in the watershed of Franks Creek, which goes to the Little River.

[Layout Plan for New RV Park for Rodney Cain]

Staff does recommend seven conditions for the proposed “large warehouse type campus” on Coleman Road off of North Valdosta road, directly across the Withlacoochee River from Langdale Park. As near as I can tell, the conservation area near the river would remain. The R-1 would mostly turn into Suburban Area, wrapping around the Foxborough subdivision. West of that and northeast of the railroad tracks would be Institutional Activity Center, as would southwest of the tracks all the way to Coleman Road. North of that between the tracks and Coleman Road would be Industrial Activity Center. This is all if I’m interpreting the colors correction on this map.

[Future Development Map]

The text in the packet materials does not seem to specify. The rezoning map does not clarify much.

[Rezoning map for Langdale Capital Assets, Inc.]

See also the agenda.

These rezoning packet materials are on the LAKE website, with images of each page below.

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25077

06/26/2025

Two Lowndes County rezonings @ GLPC 2025-06-30

Two county rezonings are the only action items on the agenda for the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) for Monday evening at 5:30 PM.

[Two Lowndes County rezonings, @ GLPC 2025-06-30, Cain, 6161 US 41 N, Langdale CA, Coleman Road]

One is north of Hahira halfway to Cecil, in the watershed of Franks Creek, which goes to the Little River.

The other is directly across the Withlacoochee River from Langdale Park, on Coleman Road off of North Valdosta Road. Presumably the part proposed for M-1 (Light Manufacturing) zoning is next to Coleman Road, not next to the river. We will know after the County Planner finishes the board packet materials.

Meanwhile I have included maps of the subject properties from the Lowndes County Tax Assessors.

Here is the agenda.

According to Lowndes County Planner JD Dillard this morning at 8:55 AM, “The board packets have not been completed yet. Once available, I will send them to the BOC Records.”

Presumably then BOC Records will send them to LAKE to finish their response to the LAKE open records request. After we get them, I will publish them.

So far, the agenda and the Minutes of the previous GLPC meeting are on the LAKE website.

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission
~ Lowndes County ~ City of Valdosta ~ City of Dasher ~
~ City of Hahira ~ City of Lake Park ~ City of Remerton ~

Monday, June 23, 2025 5:30 P.M. Work Session
Monday, June 30, 2025 5:30 P.M. Regular Session
Lowndes County South Health District Administrative Office
325 West Savannah Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia

1. Call to Order, Pledge and Invocation

2. Approval of the Meeting Minutes: May 27, 2025

Lowndes County Cases:
FINAL ACTION by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, 327 N.
Ashley Street, Valdosta, Georgia,
Lowndes County Judicial and Administrative Complex Commission
Chambers, 2nd Floor,
Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, 5:30 pm
Point of Contact: JD Dillard, County Planner, (229) 671-2430

3. REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 U S Highway 41 N., 0043 004, ~21.12
acres
Current Zoning: R-21 (Medium Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning: PD-R (Rural Planned Development)

4. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd., a portion of 0055
021, ~719 acres
Current Zoning: C-C (Crossroads Commercial), R-1 (Low Density
Residential) and CON (Conservation District)
Proposed Zoning: M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and CON (Conservation
District)

OTHER BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

[Two Lowndes County rezonings]

Maps
[Map: REZ-2025-10 Cain Property, 6261 US 41N Lowndes County Tax Assessors]

[Map: REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Road, Lowndes County Tax Assessors]

2025-05-27-GLPC-Minutes-DRAFT

[Page 1]

[Page 2]

[that meets or exceeds ULDC Section 4.07.06.]

[HA-2025-06 Bank South Mortgage Company (505 South Church Street)]

[Future Development Map]

[Page 6]

[Future Development Map]

[Page 8]

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25074

06/23/2025

Videos: Budget Public Hearing @ LCC 2025-06-23

The 2024 millage of 5.283 is little more than half the 8.974 it was in 2017. Not counting the 2.5 mils of fire tax on unincorporated Lowndes County since 2021, and of course the 1 mil to the Industrial Authority and the 1.25 mils to Parks and Rec, which have not changed since 2008.

About 85% of the county’s revenues come from taxes. About 57% of that comes from property taxes, and about 31% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST).

Of expenditures, about 41% goes to Public Safety (Sheriff Department, Jail, etc.), about 12% to Juducial (courts), and about 18% to General Government.

[Collage @ LCC Budget Hearing 23 June 2025]

Commissioner Demarcus Marshall asked how the rising cost of gasoline was dealt with. Finance Director Stephanie Black said there was some leeway built into the budget, but if the price rise exceeds that, at the end of the year, additional funds would have to be allocated.

Commissioner Scottie Orenstein wondered about the fire services budget. FD Black said it is going down 10%, because new fire trucks were moved into a SPLOST line item.

County Manager Paige Dukes said a few words about property assessments that were mailed out by Tax Assessors staff. I think this was about the recent opt-out of the county from the statewide homestead exemption (the county actually has better homestead exemptions).

Almost no citizens attended, and none asked any questions.

Below is the LAKE video of the session, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist of this Lowndes County Commission presentation at 9AM this morning.

See also the public notice of this public hearing.

Much to my surprise, the Lowndes County did actually put the presentation slides on the county website:
https://lowndescounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/4079/Budget-Public-Hearing-FY-2026-Presentation

That’s under Departments, Finance, and under Quick Links: FY 2026 Budget Public Hearing Presentation. Thanks to Finance Director Stephanie Black for putting it there. A copy is on the LAKE website, and images of each slide are below.

Presentation of the Proposed FY 2026 Budget
Video:
https://youtu.be/Osq5B81W4N4

Lowndes County Board of Commissioners – Budget Session – 2025-06-23

The powerpoint presentation on the county web site: https://lowndescounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/4079/Budget-Public-Hearing-FY-2026-Presentation

Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

Here is a LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiELVlmoJq20lc0_CUMHQDJ3&si=Cu5phEbdifGikD99

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25068

06/23/2025

Videos: VSU Tennis Proclamation, Library Board, Courts, Insurance, Animal Services, Loan to Valdosta Housing Authority @ LCC Work 2025-06-23

In addition to 4. Proclamation Presentation to Mr. John Hansen, the VSU Tennis Coach, the Lowndes County Commissioners were remarkably chatty about several other items this morning at their Work Session.

[Collage @ LCC Work 23 June 2025]

They vote tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at 5:30 PM.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda and the board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request.

1. Call to Order 4. Proclamation Presentation to Mr. John Hansen
Video:
https://youtu.be/uIYS0drl_1Y

Lowndes County Board of Commissioners – Work Session – 2025-06-23

This was a work session only item.

Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

5. Minutes for Approval
Video:
https://youtu.be/-hlNGVjAKhw

6.a. Appointment – Lowndes County Library Board
Video:
https://youtu.be/TbyyYVpeM5c

7.a. Lowndes County Juvenile Accountability Court FY26 Budget – Grant Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/LwgSMeR5Tgk

7.b. ACCG IRMA Property – Liability Insurance Renewal
Video:
https://youtu.be/vRRojSIgpBk

Liability insurance is expensive.

7.c. Axon Renewal Contract for Animal Services
Video:
https://youtu.be/9qxZsKIugGM

This is for body cameras for animal control. Same kind that is used by code enforcement and the Sheriff’s department

7.d. Lowndes County Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match
Video:
https://youtu.be/l0sdv-NWmoU

7.e. Lowndes County DUI Court FY 26 Grant Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/26prdRrEw7I

7.f. Valdosta Housing Authority Request for Loan
Video:
https://youtu.be/CkGd5lCf-M4

8. Reports – County Manager
Video:
https://youtu.be/pV1zfFvxZQE

Reports are reserved for tomorrow.

10. Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/IN2LKk09OiU

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiFQNb7pguIdOZm-Tp_9aq98&si=jGdwxHai42p1rUTa

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25063

06/23/2025

Budget Public Hearing @ LCC 2025-06-23

Monday morning after their Work Session, the Lowndes County Commission is holdin
g a Public Hearing on its Fiscal Year 2026 proposed budget.

As usual with no posted agenda and no public copy of the proposed agenda.

Here’s the notice in the county’s calendar.

[Budget Public Hearing, Lowndes COunty Commission, 9 AM, 2025-06-23]

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25061

Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE)

07/04/2025

07/03/2025

06/30/2025

06/30/2025

06/27/2025

06/26/2025

06/26/2025

06/23/2025

06/23/2025

06/23/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category