Long County commissioners were asked last week to help provide more meals to senior citizens in the county.

Lillian Simmons, Long County representative for the Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia Area Agency on Aging board, asked commissioners at their regular meeting to increase the county’s contribution to the free meal program.

She said that because of budget cuts, there are 26 senior citizens on a waiting list for meals, and if the county could help.  

Commission Chairman Dwight Gordon said the county is currently helping provide meals to 34 people, but officials would look into the providing more. The program delivers meals to some senior citizens and allows others to pick them up.  

Though no action was taken on the meals, commissioners did approve a resolution allowing the regional commission to seek additional funding for the Transportation Services Department.

The department provides transportation for employment, medical and public services within 10 counties in the region. The Coastal Regional Transportation Services Department operates 85 buses and covers more than 5,100 square miles, including Long County.

Commissioners also discussed giving 900 square feet of land on Horne Street to the city of Ludowici for a new pump station. Gordon said that when county bought the land, the agreement was for the property to go back to the original owner or heirs if the county didn’t need the land.

He said that the county is locating the heirs to discuss the matter. If the heirs have no problem with the request, Gordon said, he did not think the commission would have a problem with turning the land over to the city.

Commissioners also discussed grading Macon Lane, off of Buster Phillips Road. Gordon said the dirt road has 15-20 houses on it. He said the county is researching to determine whether it is a county road or privately owned.

Commissioners also reappointed James Wasden to the board of tax assessors for a four-year term.