Tag Archives: Lowndes County Accountability Court

Videos: DFACS, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing Infrastructure, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC Work 2026-06-22

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They asked a few questions about the three court grant cash match items, the Lowndes County Commission in their 14-minute Monday morning Work Session, June 22, 2026.

Regarding the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, Gretchen Quarterman wondered, “I would have thought that the commission might want to have a public hearing on an issue like this to hear from both liquor store owners and churches and schools.”

[14-minute Lowndes County Commission Work Session, 2026-06-22 --LAKE videos]
14-minute Lowndes County Commission Work Session, 2026-06-22 –LAKE videos

Here is a LAKE video playlist.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiHj9P_d0XwfATVAWOI3xNiy&si=vDsQm_cdRJcXLBfq Continue reading →

Packet: DFACS, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing Infrastructure, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC 2026-06-22

1 Reply

Update 2026-06-24: Videos: DFACS, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing Infrastructure, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC Work 2026-06-22.

You can now see the proposed Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance the Lowndes County Commission intends to adopt this evening at 5:30 PM, and something about the infrastructure they intend to approve for the Camelot Crossing Commercial Development.

You can speak about pretty much anything, including datacenters, in Citizens Wishing to Be Heard.

Don’t forget the 5:00 PM Budget Public Hearing.

[Packet: DFACS reappointment, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC 2026-06-22]
Packet: DFACS reappointment, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC 2026-06-22

Raymond Conner wants to be reappointed to the Lowndes County Division of Family and Children Services (LCDFCS).

Three court grants require county matches, plus Microsoft has left little option but for shifting to Microsoft Exchange Online.

Cost What
$42,404.00Lowndes County DUI Court FY 27 Grant Award
$32,459.00Lowndes County Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match
$31,886.40Email Software License
$12,773.00Lowndes County Juvenile Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match
$119,522.40Total

This Monday after 4 PM the county satisfied the LAKE open records request of last Tuesday. The resulting board packet and minutes from the previous Commission meetings are on the LAKE website. Images of each page are below.

See also the agenda.

LAKE videos of the Monday morning Work Session at 8:30 AM and the Budget Hearing at 9:00 AM are forthcoming.

-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

[PROPOSED AGENDA]
PROPOSED AGENDA
PDF

Lowndes County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) Board

[Raymond Conner wants to be reappointed.]
Raymond Conner wants to be reappointed.
PDF

Lowndes County DUI Court FY 27 Grant Award

[BUDGET IMPACT: $42,404.00 (X) Annual]
BUDGET IMPACT: $42,404.00 (X) Annual
PDF

Lowndes County Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match

[BUDGET IMPACT: $32,459.00 (X) N/A]
BUDGET IMPACT: $32,459.00 (X) N/A
PDF

Lowndes County Juvenile Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match

[BUDGET IMPACT: $12,773.00 FUNDING SOURCE: (x) N/A (.)]
BUDGET IMPACT: $12,773.00 FUNDING SOURCE: (x) N/A (.)
PDF

Acceptance of Infrastructure for Camelot Crossing Commercial Development

[Camelot Crossing Commercial Development is located off of North Valdosta Road at the end of the existing Camelot Crossing Road. There are a total of three (3) roads that are shown]
Camelot Crossing Commercial Development is located off of North Valdosta Road at the end of the existing Camelot Crossing Road. There are a total of three (3) roads that are shown
PDF

Email Software License

[BUDGET IMPACT: $31,886.40 Current email platform end-of-life; migrating to Microsoft Exchange Online]
BUDGET IMPACT: $31,886.40 Current email platform end-of-life; migrating to Microsoft Exchange Online
PDF

[Program Signature Form]
Program Signature Form
PDF

[Signature]
Signature
PDF

[This Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment is entered into between the entities as identified in the signature form]
This Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment is entered into between the entities as identified in the signature form
PDF

[“Reserved License” means for an Online Service identified as eligible for true-ups in the Product Terms,]
“Reserved License” means for an Online Service identified as eligible for true-ups in the Product Terms,
PDF

[eligible for funding and services from the U.S. Department of Interior by virtue of its status as an Indian]
eligible for funding and services from the U.S. Department of Interior by virtue of its status as an Indian
PDF

[prior to use, unless the Online Services are (1) identified as eligible for true-up in the]
prior to use, unless the Online Services are (1) identified as eligible for true-up in the
PDF

[h. Step-up Licenses. For Licenses eligible for a step-up under this Enrollment, Enrolled Affiliate]
h. Step-up Licenses. For Licenses eligible for a step-up under this Enrollment, Enrolled Affiliate
PDF

[(ii) Online Services eligible for an Extended Term. For Online Services identified as eligible]
(ii) Online Services eligible for an Extended Term. For Online Services identified as eligible
PDF

[Community Cloud Services without notice. Enrolled Affiliate acknowledges that only]
Community Cloud Services without notice. Enrolled Affiliate acknowledges that only
PDF

[the largest number of Affiliates:]
the largest number of Affiliates:
PDF

[Work or School (WSA) Account ID]
Work or School (WSA) Account ID
PDF

[Signature]
Signature
PDF

[Page 31]
Page 31
PDF

[Note 2: In the following countries, any direct Enrollment consisting of only Enterprise Online Services will not be eligible for the Renewal option described in Section]
Note 2: In the following countries, any direct Enrollment consisting of only Enterprise Online Services will not be eligible for the Renewal option described in Section
PDF

[2. Section 2a of the Enrollment titled “Order Requirements”, is]
2. Section 2a of the Enrollment titled “Order Requirements”, is
PDF

[Page 34]
Page 34
PDF

2026 Lowndes County Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance

[Section 4-3(b) of the Ordinance is revised to increase the distance provisions for the sale of distilled spirits. Article XIII is added. It regards the applicability of the amended provisions of Section 4-3(b).]
Section 4-3(b) of the Ordinance is revised to increase the distance provisions for the sale of distilled spirits. Article XIII is added. It regards the applicability of the amended provisions of Section 4-3(b).
PDF

[A Resolution Adopting 2026 Lowndes County Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance]
A Resolution Adopting 2026 Lowndes County Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance
PDF

[2026 Lowndes County Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance]
2026 Lowndes County Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance
PDF

[Section 2-3. State License Required.]
Section 2-3. State License Required.
PDF

[tax pursuant to the provisions of subsections (c), (d), or (e) of 26 U.S.C. Section 501.]
tax pursuant to the provisions of subsections (c), (d), or (e) of 26 U.S.C. Section 501.
PDF

[Noise Ordinance shall mean the County’s Ordinance to Regulate Noise in Residential Areas adopted]
Noise Ordinance shall mean the County’s Ordinance to Regulate Noise in Residential Areas adopted
PDF

[Section 3-2. References to Sections, etc.]
Section 3-2. References to Sections, etc.
PDF

[of distilled spirits within six hundred (600) feet, of any church building. No license shall be granted]
of distilled spirits within six hundred (600) feet, of any church building. No license shall be granted
PDF

[natural person, the name of the individual or agent who shall be held responsible for compliance]
natural person, the name of the individual or agent who shall be held responsible for compliance
PDF

[operate a business or enterprise at the property on which the establishment is to be located involving]
operate a business or enterprise at the property on which the establishment is to be located involving
PDF

[(0) Prior to issuance or renewal of any license, event permit (pursuant to Section 7-2),]
(0) Prior to issuance or renewal of any license, event permit (pursuant to Section 7-2),
PDF

[Section 4-6. Publication of Notice.]
Section 4-6. Publication of Notice.
PDF

[Section 4-8. License Duration; License Fee Proration; When Fee is Due.]
Section 4-8. License Duration; License Fee Proration; When Fee is Due.
PDF

[outlined in Section 4-10(a), the Board shall serve notice upon licensee, by registered or certified]
outlined in Section 4-10(a), the Board shall serve notice upon licensee, by registered or certified
PDF

[Section 4-11. Return of License Fee.]
Section 4-11. Return of License Fee.
PDF

[Section 5-2. Unbroken Packages to be Sold.]
Section 5-2. Unbroken Packages to be Sold.
PDF

[Section 6-1. License Required.]
Section 6-1. License Required.
PDF

[Section 7-1. Alcoholic Beverage Catering License.]
Section 7-1. Alcoholic Beverage Catering License.
PDF

[Section 7-3. Restrictions.]
Section 7-3. Restrictions.
PDF

[Revenue permit. Letters of authorization required by this Section shall be issued on behalf of the]
Revenue permit. Letters of authorization required by this Section shall be issued on behalf of the
PDF

[which derives at such establishment at least 50 percent of its total annual gross sales from the sale]
which derives at such establishment at least 50 percent of its total annual gross sales from the sale
PDF

[Section 9-2. Sales During Elections.]
Section 9-2. Sales During Elections.
PDF

[Section 10-1. Prohibition.]
Section 10-1. Prohibition.
PDF

[The distance provisions in Section 4-3(b) of this Ordinance shall not apply to any licensee]
The distance provisions in Section 4-3(b) of this Ordinance shall not apply to any licensee
PDF

[APPENDIX A: FEES AND CHARGES]
APPENDIX A: FEES AND CHARGES
PDF

[See Section 4-8 regarding proration of license fees for initial licenses.]
See Section 4-8 regarding proration of license fees for initial licenses.
PDF

June-8-2026-Work-Session-Minutes

[Page 1]
Page 1
PDF

June-9-2026-Regular-Session-Minutes

[Page 1]
Page 1
PDF

Agenda: DFACS, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing Infrastructure, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC 2026-06-22

1 Reply

Update 2026-06-19: Notice: Two Budget Public Hearings @ LCC 2026-06-22.

It would be interesting to see the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance the Lowndes County Commission will be voting on Tuesday evening, and the infrastructure they intend to approve for the Camelot Crossing Commercial Development.

But there is nothing on the county website but the bare agenda, and the county has not yet responded to an open records request for the board packet.

We do know that Tuesday evening at the 5:30 PM Regular Session you can speak in Citizens Wishing to Be Heard.

But not at the 8:30 AM Monday Work Session, where you do get to hear staff and Commissioners discuss agenda items.

[Agenda: DFACS, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC 2026-06-22]
Agenda: DFACS, DUI, Accountability, Juveniles, Camelot Crossing, Email Software, Alcohol Ordinance @ LCC 2026-06-22

Here is the agenda.

All the agenda sheets linked under “Documents:” are blank.

LAKE still does not have the board packet, even though the LAKE open records request went to Lowndes County at 8 AM on Tuesday, June 16. I would think Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday count as the three days permitted to respond to a Georgia Open Records Act (GORA) request. If so, they’re late.

I’ve included a map of Camelot Crossing from the Lowndes County Tax Assessors website. I’ve marked some well-known nearby sinkholes. I wonder how many of the other visible wetlands are also sinkholes?

LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROPOSED AGENDA
WORK SESSION, MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION, TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
327 N. Ashley Street – 2nd Floor

Continue reading →

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]
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 Continue reading →

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

Update 2025-06-27: Videos: Library Board, Courts, Insurance, Animal Services, Loan to Valdosta Housing Authority @ LCC Regular 2025-06-24.

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]
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 Continue reading →

Packet: Library Board, Courts, Insurance, Animal Services, Loan to Valdosta Housing Authority @ LCC 2025-06-23

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

On the agenda for the Lowndes County Commission this week, the property and liability insurance is the big dollar item, followed by the proposed million dollar loan to the Valdosta Housing Authority.

[Collage @ LCC Packet 2025-06-23]
Collage @ LCC Packet 2025-06-23

The rest is mostly cash match for grants to various courts, plus a renewal contract for Animal Services, which is things like body cameras for their agents. Continue reading →

Videos: Budget, Court Grants, Stream Credits, Debris, Insurance, Vac-Trailer @ LCC Regular 2024-06-25

Commmissioner Demarcus Marshall asked what were the criteria for selecting firms for the 5.e. Pre-Event Debris Removal Contracts, at the Regular Session of the Lowndes County Commission, June 25, 2024.

He also wondered about the timeline for 6.a. Bid for a Vac-Trailer for the Utilities Department.

Those and all the other items passed unanimously.

In her report, County Manager Paige Dukes said the Board of Tax Assessors had received 130 appeals for agricultural assessments.

There was one Citizen Wishing to Be Heard, Marcelle Rosbury of Enoch Lake Circle in Lake Park. She seemed to be complaining about road maintenance.

[Collage @ LCC 25 June 2024]
Collage @ LCC 25 June 2024

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 Continue reading →

Videos: Budget, Court Grants, Stream Credits, Debris, Insurance, Vac-Trailer @ LCC Work 2024-06-24

Update 2024-07-07: Videos: Budget, Court Grants, Stream Credits, Debris, Insurance, Vac-Trailer @ LCC Regular 2024-06-25.

Lowndes County Commissioners had a few questions about 5.ef. Pre-Event Debris Removal/Monitoring Contracts, in their Work Session of June 24, 2024. The removal and monitoring items were presented together. FEMA requires a monitoring firm to make sure the debris removal firms do the right thing.

FYI, a Vac-Trailer is like a vac truck, but it’s smaller and can get into more places (for sucking up sewage spills).

At the end the Chairman requested an executive session to discuss personnel. That’s interesting, because as noted years ago in a Commission meeting, the Commissioners only have one personnel. Everybody else reports up to the County Manager.

[Collage @ LCC Work Session 24 June 2024]
Collage @ LCC Work Session 24 June 2024

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 Continue reading →

Packet: Budget, Court Grants, Stream Credits, Debris, Insurance, Vac-Trailer @ LCC 2024-06-24

A million dollars, mostly for property and liability insurance, is on the agenda for the Lowndes County Commission at its Work Session Monday morning at 8:30 AM and it’s voting Regular Session Tuesday at 5:30 PM.

[Collage @ LCC Packet 2024-06-24]
Collage @ LCC Packet 2024-06-24

That and approving the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Since you didn’t go to the budget hearing week before last, you missed your only chance to comment to them in public before they approve the budget.

Cost What
$951,301.00Request for Proposals (RFP) for Property & Liability Insurance
$96,110.00Bid for a Vac-Trailer for the Utilities Department
$51,300.00Purchase of Stream Credits for Pl # 0016279, Coleman Road NW Paving and Drainage Improvements
$35,354.00Lowndes County Accountability Court Grant Approval and Cash Match
$26,343.00Lowndes County DUI Court Grant Award and Match Approval
$15,000.00Lowndes County Juvenile Accountability Court (LCJAC)
$1,175,408.00Total

Here is the agenda.

The board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website.

LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROPOSED AGENDA
WORK SESSION, MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024, 8:30 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION, TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
327 N. Ashley Street – 2nd Floor

Continue reading →

Videos: Adoption of Budget, Appointments to DFACS, VLPRA, Construction Board, Courts, Prison Details @ LCC Regular 2023-06-27

They approved everything unanimously, the Lowndes County Commission two weeks ago, with another surprise presentation in County Manager Reports.

[Collage @ LCC 27 June 2023]
Collage @ LCC 27 June 2023

They approved the Hotel-Motel Budget Plan and the FY 2024 Operating Budget.

They reappointed Elsie Napier to DFACS, Suzan Garnett to VLPRA, and Tripp Howell to the Construction Board.

They passed a stopgap resolution to delay approving changes to the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC). So there’s no need to approve any changes at the July 11th County Commission meeting.

Remember, the public has hardly seen any of the proposed ULDC changes, while the County Manager announced two weeks ago that “tomorrow we have the stakeholder meetings at 12:30 and 2 PM that I mentioned to you yesterday, with permits and inspections, and that is all going fantastically well, and I’m interesting in getting the feedback from our development community so we can make any changes that they may need prior to going live July 1.” Curious how the county government is not so solicitous of feedback from the general public as it is of feedback from “our development community”.

In response to a question by Commissioner Demarcus Marshall, Public Works Director Robin Cumbus clarified that the county since COVID has only been paying for one prisoon detail even though the contract says they can use up to three.

About Reports: County Manager, Gretchen Quarterman remarks: Continue reading →