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ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners met in executive session on March 13, 2026 to discuss a personnel matter. All five commissioners, the county clerk, and county attorney/manager met behind closed doors for about 40 minutes before coming back into open session. During that time, Planning and Zoning Director Jeremy Gilbert was asked to go back into executive session to speak with the commissioners.

When the commissioners came back into open session at 4:38 p.m. Attorney/Manager Rob Morton advised commissioners to accept Gilbert’s March 11, 2026 written resignation with his final day effective on April 3, 2026 and move forward with advertising for his replacement.

The motion to accept Gilbert’s resignation letter and move forward with advertising for his replacement was approved unanimously, and commissioners praised Gilbert and thanked him for the work he has done here in Pike County. The meeting was adjourned at 4:39 p.m.

Gilbert has served as the Planning and Zoning Director for 5 years.

Gilbert's letter reads as follows:

Dear County Manager,

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Pike County for the opportunity to serve as the Planning and Development Director. It has been an honor to support the county's growth, work alongside dedicated staff, and contribute to projects that will benefit the community for years to come.

Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation. My last working day will be April 3, 2026.

This decision was not made lightly. Pike County has been an important part of my professional journey, and I am grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support I have received during my tenure. I am proud of the progress we have made in strengthening the zoning code, improving customer service, and advancing planning initiatives that hopefully reflect the values and priorities of our community.

Over the coming weeks, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. I will prepare all necessary documentation, assist with ongoing projects, and make myself available to support any handoff needs you identify.

Thak you again for the opportunity to serve Pike County. I wish the county continued success.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Gilbert

UPDATE 3.16.26: Pike County Times has learned from Fun 101 WTGA that Gilbert has been hired in Upson County as the new Planning and Zoning Director, effective April 6, 2026.

Upson County Manager Lonnie Joyce advised in a press release that the county's goal was "to identify a leader who could bring stakeholders together and help align community goals with county laws to support a strong future for Upson County."

County leadership chose Gilbert for this role and looks forward to working with him as he begins his work as the new Planning and Zoning Director of Upson County.

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