The Liberty County Board of Commissioners discussed the city of Midway’s alcohol referendum at a regular meeting Oct. 2. The BOC voted to place the referendum on the November ballot to allow voters to approve or deny alcohol sales on Sunday in Midway. 

Commissioners also revisited a zoning issue tabled during a meeting last month.

The rezoning request by Mike D. Howe to rezone his property from AR-1 (Agricultural Residential District) to B-2 (General Commercial District) from the Sept. 4 regular meeting remained tabled for 90 days. The BOC learned the petitioner did go to the permitting office, but did not obtain any permits.

“They did all the things they shouldn’t have done,” District 5 commissioner Gary Gilliard said.

District 1 Commissioner Marion Stevens wanted the 90-day motion rescinded and to vote on the rezoning petition during the meeting.

“I don’t see a reason to leave it on the table,” said Stevens.

The majority of commissioners agreed to keep the rezoning petition tabled and decided to discuss it during a regular meeting in December.

In other BOC business, Clenton Wells proposed two different bids to replace motor graders. The Yancy Brothers scored higher among the committee, and the contract was approved by commissioners.  Wells also brought up his difficulty of keeping CDL drivers.

“I hope you got some trained we can borrow,” Wells jokingly told the commission.

Liberty County Convention and Visitor Bureau CEO Leah Poole updated the commission on the CVB’s progress. She stated the LCCVB has contributed to the $327 Liberty taxpayers save due to tourism. Poole spoke about the CVB’s increasing events presence on social media.

Attorney Kelly Davis proposed joining litigation to sue opioid manufacturers and distributors as have other counties in Georgia, including the nearby county of Chatham. 

“This is a novel suit,” Kelly said. “Recovery isn’t guaranteed,”

Kelly explained joining the litigation would take some time, but would address the increase in hospital costs, law enforcement costs, and other increased costs at the hands of opioid manufacturers and distributers. The BOC motioned to support, not join, the litigation as it is still in its early stages.

At the mid-month meeting Oct. 25, commissioners will discuss the millage rate as well as the distribution of road funds.