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This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. The Editor can be reached at 770-468-7583 or at editor(at)PikeCountyTimes(dot)com. Pike County Times is a website for citizens to keep up with local events and stay informed about Pike County government. It began on November 13, 2006 as a watchdog on county government and has turned into an online newspaper.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – 6:30 p.m.
Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, Georgia
Courthouse Doors on East/South Sides open at 6:00 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting at 6:15 p.m.
ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will meet in the upper courtroom of the courthouse on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 for a regularly scheduled meeting. There will be a Town Hall Meeting at 6:15 p.m. for anyone who would like to speak to the commissioners about any issues that you may have.
The Pike County Board of Commissioners has its own YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@pikecoga where citizens can watch the meetings both in real time and after the meeting to catch up on county business. Thank you to the Commissioners for providing this service to Pike County citizens.
Readers can go to www.PikeCoGa.com, click on Resources, scroll down to Other Links to click on Meetings & Agendas, and then scroll down to the meeting date and click on Online Agenda to review documentation related to this meeting. Morning meetings have links to financial information and reports from county departments and authorities.
Those present were Commissioners James Jenkins, Ken Pullin, Tim Guy, and Tim Daniel and Chairman Briar Johnson and County Clerk Angela Blount. County Attorney / Manager Rob Morton was not present at the meeting but sent his notes to the commissioners. Chairman Briar Johnson read CM Morton's comments aloud throughout the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER .... Chairman J. Briar Johnson
2. INVOCATION .... Kyle Garner
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE .... Chairman J. Briar Johnson
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. § 50-14-1 (e) (1))
Item Q and R postponed until the next meeting because we need our county attorney here for that.
Also remove Item T because it has been withdrawn.
Executive Session called by County Attorney / Manager Rob Morton has been postponed.
Public Comment will be moved to the Invited Guest at the beginning of the meeting.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e) (2))
a. Minutes of the June 30, 2026, Regular Monthly Meeting.
b. Minutes of the June 30, 2026, Executive Session.
c. Minutes of the July 23, 2026, Special Called Meeting.
d. Minutes of the July 23, 2026, Executive Session.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
6. INVITED GUEST
a. Sam Trager with University of Georgia to present Compensation Study.
Will be recommending the pay range and grades for employees at a future meeting. Job Descriptions and Classifications. 34 job descriptions were developed. Positions were placed in grades from 7 to 24, and job responsibilities were a large part of this. The Department of Community Affairs and Open the Books helped with needed data. Compared to counties around us.
Market data is average salaries. Pay practice is a calculation based on average salaries for a comparison to market data.
Employee pay is about 6.2% behind the market. There are steps and longevity included. There is a possibility of allowing a 6% increase which would cost $122,107 because no need to move people onto proper steps in the graph. Looked at Fire Staff. Minimum pay should be above $16.59 an hour.
Livable wage was discussed. Minimum livable wage in Pike County is $23.24 per hour. 48 employees fall below this amount. About 41% of our work force. Maybe move those up higher in pay than others to get them where they need to be. Consider using the Employee Cost Index.
Need to finalize some job titles. County Clerk could be merged so she handles HR. Did point out that grades are tied to how much people are paid. They even gave some long-term considerations to think about how across the board vs. pay for performance will affect employees.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT (Limited to 5 minutes per person)
This was moved to the beginning of the meeting.
a. Laine Dupree to address the Board regarding AirEvac Lifeteam and provide educational information on air ambulance services.
Air ambulance in Thomaston. About 400 across the US. New to the area. Air ambulance is used more these days than it used to be. When time is of the essence. Pilot, paramedic, and a nurse are on the helicopter. They offer a membership. Offer classes as a way to get involved in the community.
b. Eugene Allison to address the Board regarding Domestic Violence.
Gave statistics for domestic violence including arrests in Georgia. Girlfriend was in an abusive relationship. She was with someone who abused her and caused head trauma that caused her death later on. Asked the commissioners to help those involved in domestic violence if you can. Sometimes there isn't enough funding, but try to help if you can. Also said that he is running for public office.
Chairman Johnson said that they needed to go back to the presentation and accept it. That can be addressed further later. Motion to accept the draft report of the Compensation Study. Approved 5-0.
Chairman Briar Johnson said that he received information on a possible problem that needed to be addressed before the meeting could continue. He made a motion to exit into executive session and clarified that, according to Pike County policy, this is the only motion he can make. Approved 5-0. 7:05 p.m.
Commissioner Ken Pullin came back into the meeting before anyone else. The post agenda says that he came back in at 7:08 p.m.
[Note from the Editor: You can watch the video on Pike County's YouTube channel if you want to see this for yourself. The audience saw Commissioner Ken Pullin come back earlier than everyone else, and it was obvious that he was upset. I can be seen in the video voicing a concern that no lawful reason had been given for going into Executive Session.]
Motion to come back in regular session at 7:11 p.m. 2nd was given. Chairman Johnson if there was any discussion, and a discussion ensued. Pullin said he thought that was the most ridiculous executive session ever and that he wanted that for the record. He said that he was embarrassed. Guy. You may be embarrassed, but when stuff is notice here -- just because you don't want to stand behind it -- doesn't mean that you're right. [Note from the Editor: At this point, Chairman Johnson lost control of the meeting.]
Johnson. It is my responsibility if I hear of a problem to address it. Commissioners are talking over each other at this point. Johnson is trying to say that he went by county policy. The words: "Have him tested" were said by Tim Guy. Pullin said that was a violation of executive session.
Johnson said that Pullin could be mad at him all that he wanted, but said again that he went by county policy. Pullin said that he was mad and embarrassed. Pullin asked Johnson to move on to the next item on the agenda. Johnson said that he was addressing Pullin's concern. Pullin said that you haven't addressed it at all.
Briar Johnson then clarified that Executive Session pertained to personnel. He apologized to the audience for the disruption but said that when there is a problem, it has to be addressed. He said that meeting couldn't continue until it was addressed, and he would stand behind that based on our (county) policy. [Note from the Editor: This isn't done. It should have been, but it wasn't. Keep reading below.]
7. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS, DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES, AUTHORITIES
a. Monthly Reports submitted from County Departments and County Authorities, including a
Revenue/Expenditure Statement for all departments and a summary check register.
Discuss/Approve/Deny
b. County Manager Report
Update on County finances for the following funds/accounts:
General Fund .... $425,131.75
Fire Dept. Donations .... $11,585.43
Cash Reserve Account .... $312,726.48
Jail Fund .... $32,894.94
E-911 Fund .... $30,072.72
DATE Fund .... $20,189.48
Juvenile Court Fund .... $15,852.65
Residential Impact Fee .... $327,734.61
Commercial Impact Fees .... $21,116.04
C.A.I.P FUND .... $15,913.62
General Obligation SPLOST 2022-2028 .... $3,676,472.42
L.M.I.G. Grant (DOT) .... $661,488.22
Motion to accept reports. Approved 5-0.
c. County Manager Comment
d. Commissioner Reports
Daniel. None.
Guy. When something is brought before you, I think it should be investigated. And if it's not investigated, it's not ethical.
Pullin. I thought you were going to read the County Manager comments. Johnson said that he is going to read during his time during Commissioner Reports.
Jenkins. None.
Johnson. Several staff members have approached him about security in the courthouse. Spoke with Sheriff and DA's Office. Will start addressing concerns downstairs. We need a security plan for any time the courthouse is open. [Note from the Editor: Our policy should match that of other surrounding jurisdictions. Security matters.]
Rob is sick so Briar read his statement.
Morton is going to transition from his dual role as county manager and county attorney. He will serve as the interim for now as we look for another county manager. Plan is to have an ad in the paper by this week if possible. Motion to run the ad for the entire month of August for county manager unless it needs to be extended. Approved 5-0.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWScmtransition7.31.26.html has the history and dollar amounts that have been tied to this. It also has links to how the current Board of Commissioners decided to combine both positions as well as the legality of one person serving as the County Manager and County Attorney at the same time.
Johnson advised that Pike County had received 3 ethics complaints on the CM a month or so ago. We took it seriously. We involved an outside attorney's firm from Atlanta to investigate. Someone local picked up the information and forwarded it to Atlanta. The firm is Freeman, Mathis, and Gary out of Atlanta. Based on what this attorney told us, we discussed it in the executive session from the last meeting. Did not find any unethical act based on policy or state law. County policy states that commissioners have to either vote to have an ethics hearing or vote not have an ethics hearing. Based on this info, not going to have an ethics hearing based on this report. Asked for a motion to follow our policy. Based on this investigation, this board has decided that there is no reason to have an ethics hearing based on county policy. Motion for no hearing based on the investigative report. 3-2 with Pullin and Jenkins opposed. The report will be available in 10 days according to state law. [Note from the Editor: Pike County Times will obtain this document and write about it when it is available.]
[Note from the Editor: At this point, the audience didn't really know what had been discussed in Executive Session. But then Commissioner Guy decided to enlighten everyone with a dramatic exit from the room and his parting comments. Except then he came back into the meeting and finished it out.]
Guy then went back to the Executive Session from earlier in the meeting. We have an ethics situation tonight that is being overlooked. He accused Johnson of overlooking the situation. Johnson. Based on our policy, it needs to be in writing. Pullin. If we go that route, we need to know who brought this up, Mr. Chairman. He said that this is hearsay over the top of Johnson's objection that Pullin didn't have the floor to speak. Johnson said that the complaint has to be in writing just like the three complaints against Morton.
Pullin said that he agreed with Johnson that a complaint needed to be in writing because everything is hearsay at this point. Said that Johnson gave us a charge against a commissioner but did not give us any details on that charge. You told us that you got a complaint against a commissioner and you called an Executive Session on it. Do we typically go by hearsay? This can't be the process. Commissioners start speaking over each other again. Daniel and Pullin both said that they had a long meeting and needed to move on. Daniel appeared to be urging Johnson to use the gavel to control the meeting and move on at least once in the conversation. Guy. Said that we have a process to check something out to see if it's true. Pullin asked Guy if he brought the accusation because he was "very much invested" in this. Guy said that was none of Pullin's business and asked Pullin if he wanted to bring everything out in a public meeting -- then we will have an investigation.
Johnson tried to move on to the next item on the agenda. At 7:25 p.m. Guy stood up, said he was "out of here," and then said that we have a commissioner sitting at this table that's drunk. Pullin wanted to strike Guy's comment from the record because it is out of line because it's an ethics violation and will be formally filing a report. Guy came back at 7:26 p.m. continuing to talk about ethics violations that need to be investigated and saying that right is right and wrong is wrong. He took his seat at the table and remained for the rest of the meeting. Johnson got control of the meeting again and moved on to the next item.
[Note from the Editor: A couple of things here. First, the county attorney was not present at the meeting. If Morton had not been sick and able to attend the meeting, this probably wouldn't have gone as sideways as it got. This literally took me back to more than 20 years ago when harsh words and all but fist fighting were not out of the ordinary.
Second, the audience was sitting in shock at the lack of decorum with a commissioner making an accusation that another commissioner was drunk and two commissioners verbally fighting in front of us. I didn't see anything that showed any commissioner being drunk, and there wasn't any disorderly conduct (look up GA Code § 16-11-39) though there was definitely a breach of peace in the meeting. A quick look at Pike County's Code of Ordinances shows that §36.30 Section C8 of Pike County's Code of Ethics could have been violated in this meeting: "Never engage in other conduct which is unbecoming to an official/employee or which constitutes a breach of public trust," and Section D plainly states that "Alleged violations of this code of ethics must be submitted via written, sworn complaint to the Clerk of the Board of Commissioners..." So where do we go from here?
Finally, let me bring this back around for thoughts and discussions that will actually bring something from this hullabaloo. (If the shoe fits...) Being overly dramatic -- especially on social media, trying to figure out who was being talked about, and gossiping about someone when there was no evidence, no probable cause, or no disturbance isn't going to help the matter. I've seen a lot in 30 years, and this was NOT the worst I've ever seen. Things happen. Now we have to look back and ask what we learned from it.
Should the commissioners go back into Executive Session for something like this in the future? Should accusations like this fly in a public meeting in the future? Should information from Executive Session come out in public like this in the future? Should people be gaveled down and the meeting continue without future drama like we saw in this meeting? And last but certainly not least... What can we do better in the next meeting, and the next, and the next? Let's do THAT because I sincerely hope that we never see behavior like this ever again. It was unprofessional and embarrassing.]
e. County Attorney Report to Commissioners
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Discussion of 3-way stop sign at Melville Brown Road and Hunter Road.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider use of Courthouse Grounds from Cami Hoopes with the City of Zebulon for Trick or Treating on the Square on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Motion to approve the 3 way stop. Discussion. It's a 3 way stop that is dangerous. Several people have contacted commissioners on this. Approved 5-0.
b. Consider use of Courthouse Grounds from Bryan Richardson with Pike County American Legion Post 197 for Pike County Patriot Day (9-11) Observance Program on September 11, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
c. Consider use of Courthouse Grounds from Bryan Richardson with Pike County American Legion Post 197 for Pike County Veterans Day Observance Program on November 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (Should there be inclement weather, Post 197 would like to use the Courthouse main courtroom to proceed with the event.)
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
d. Approve/deny issuance of alcohol license (Retail Pouring – beer and wine) for Marlon Justo, Asian Bites Kitchen LLC dba Maneki Neko Hibachi and Sushi House, 806 Plaza Drive, Zebulon, GA. Applicant has met criteria.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
e. Consider Tax Refund application from Dennis and Patricia Talley in the amount of $118.22.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
Johnson. Items 9f, g, and h has a recommendation from the Tax Assessor Board. The law requires assessment on January 1. The county attorney's opinion is that the county doesn’t have an authorization to remove these unless there has been a disaster that has been declared. We have no authority on this so moving onto next item with no action.
f. Consider removal of the primary structure located at 205 Alabama Road The Rock, GA, from the 2026 tax digest due to the dwelling being destroyed by a structure fire on January 14, 2026.
g. Consider removal of the primary structure located at 1358 Drew Allend Road Williamson, GA, from the 2026 tax digest due to the dwelling being destroyed by a structure fire on February 5, 2026.
h. Consider removal of the primary structure located at 141 Starks Road Zebulon, GA, from the 2026 tax digest due to the dwelling being destroyed by a structure fire on February 8, 2026.
i. Consideration of the previously interviewed applicants for the vacant seat on the Pike County Parks and Recreation Authority.
Asking to waive policy based on circumstances and asking Board to place Steven Fontana on this position that came up after the last meeting. No reason to go back through the process. He is here tonight. Motion to waive policy and appoint Mr. Fontana to the position. Approved 5-0.
j. Approve/Deny Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Auditor Engagement Letter from Fulton & Kozak.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
k. Fiscal Year 2027 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) Program.
Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
l. Approve/deny Pike County DFCS to retain the Fiscal Year 2026 county budget surplus in the amount of $7,885.11 for the purpose of establishing a General Assistance Program to support eligible residents in need.
DFCS asking to use funds for stated purposes. This would be for Pike County residents. We don't have a general assistance fund. Motion to approve for purpose establishing a public assistance program. Approved 5-0.
[Note from the Editor: It was somewhere around here that the ceiling started dripping water on the front row where I was sitting. Possibly from the AC unit. Viewers can see trash cans set up to catch the water in the video of the meeting.]
m. Consider Resolutions calling for Referendums on HB 1563 and HB 1562.
The CM Notes advise commissioners that these referendums will allow citizens to vote on increased homestead exemptions for seniors and disabled citizens in Pike County.
This is what will be on the November 3, 2026 ballot for voters to review and cast their vote:
Shall the Act be approved which increases the homestead exemption for totally disabled residents of Pike County to $15,000.00 for all totally disabled residents, $17,500.00 for all totally disabled residents 70 or older who have resided in the county for five to nine years, $22,500.00 for all totally disabled residents age 75 or older who have resided in the county for 10 to 19 years, and $30,000.00 for all totally disabled residents age 80 or older who have resided in the county for 20 or more years?
Shall the Act be approved which increases the homestead exemption for senior citizens to $15,000.00 for all senior citizens, $20,000.00 for senior citizens 70 years of age or older who have resided in the county for five to nine years, $30,000.00 for all senior citizens 75 years of age or older who have resided in the county for 10 to 19 years, and $50,000.00 for all senior citizens 80 years of age or older who have resided in the county for 20 or more years?
Motion to approve 2 referendums. Approved 5-0.
n. Consider Quotes for Public Works F-450/4500 Truck.
Discussion. How long do these trucks normally last? 12 to 15 years. From the CM Notes: Three quotes were provided to commissioners for an F-450/4500 truck. Public Works Director Chris Goodman recommended accepting the proposal from Speedway Ford for $89,930. Morton asked Goodman to research used trucks, but Goodman couldn't locate a viable, comparable used truck that had less than 180,000 miles. This is already in their budget. Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
o. Discussion of McKinley Road punch list.
Got an estimate from GA Power for over $300,000 to move the utilities there so we did curb and gutter instead that only added $30,000. Came in under $70,000 on the project, but there is an issue with drainage now. Since under budget, needed to resolve now. It will likely cost $40,000 later. Better to deal with it now. Property owner is ok with changes to his property. Morton approved of changes to the property as well. Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.
p. Consideration of accepting the donation of four (4) vehicles to the Pike County Fire Department.
Lettering and lights are all that are needed. These will be for medical calls so the brush trucks don't have to roll. The Taurus will be used for those going to training.
q. Approve/deny the Adoption Resolution for the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) Annual Update.
This item was postponed.
r. Approval of the second reading of the Impact Fee Ordinance.
This item was postponed.
s. Consideration of Butler Snow LLP Letter of Engagement for 2028 SPLOST renewal.
The end date for the current SPLOST is in September of 2028. This firm has helped in the past. Discussion. Pullin. Supports the SPLOST but don't support having this in March of next year. It would cost the county a lot of money to have an election by itself. Motion to approve... no second... then withdrew. Motion to postpone. Approved 5-0.
t. Consideration of confirmation-certification letter related to the modified special exception permit regarding proposed solar farm at Highway 18 and North Madden Bridge and Nixon Roads.
This item was withdrawn.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT (Limited to 5 minutes per person)
a. Laine Dupree to address the Board regarding AirEvac Lifeteam and provide educational information on air ambulance services.
This item was moved to the beginning of the meeting.
b. Eugene Allison to address the Board regarding Domestic Violence.
This item was moved to the beginning of the meeting.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. County Manager Rob Morton requests Executive Session for discussion or deliberation on the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or interviewing applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency, as provided in O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2), germane to personnel.
This item was postponed.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. 8:02 p.m.
Agenda subject to change.
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