Twiggs County animal control proposed for 2027 ballot, other updates from last week’s county commission meeting

Animal control could finally be coming to Twiggs County.

At last Thursday’s county commission meeting, commissioners discussed the possibility of having residents vote on the topic during the 2027 election.

In recent years, residents have urged the county to implement some kind of animal control as issues with stray animals become more rampant.

Currently, the brunt of animal services falls on the sheriff’s office.

Commissioner Steve Birdsong told the board that he’s been getting several complaints about the animals in Twiggs County, and though it’s too late for animal control to hit the ballots later this year, he recommends it for next year.

“That’s something that’s got to be budgeted,” he told fellow commissioners. He also suggested teaming up with animal services in Bibb County.

County Attorney Kerry Howell explained the lengthy process it takes for a county to put something like animal control on the ballot. He reports the deadline for the 2026 election would have been roughly two weeks ago.

According to Howell, for the county to place animal control on the ballot, they must first give notice of a special election, obtain approval from the Board of Elections, and have it sent to Kennesaw State months in advance. This puts the nearest election where residents can vote on the matter in 2027.

Commissioners ultimately decided to table the topic until they could get more information. Howell told the board he would speak with someone at the board of elections, and they could come back to the discussion at the following meeting, scheduled for Aug. 20.

In other news, the Department of Natural Resources has agreed to give the county catfish for the county pond. DNR told county officials that supplying the pond with fish “was possible.”

During a previous meeting, Commissioner Lonnie Ford requested the county obtain more fish for the county pond for fishing, but commissioners questioned if that was something they would be able to do.

According to Chairman Ken Fowler, DNR previously told the board the pond wasn’t sustainable for fish.

Now, after discussion, DNR has agreed to give the county catfish for the same pond, under the condition the county maintains the fish by keeping them fed.

DNR also agreed to give the county the catfish for free, however, per the agreement, the county must also give DNR permission to drain the pond, killing the existing fish, if they deem it necessary.

Commissioner Ford told the board they will “push forward,” with the deal.

Commissioners also provided an update on the upcoming truck stop. Construction for the new truck stop on Hwy 96, is reportedly planned to begin construction in the next 30 days.

According to Fowler, the county has already put the water line out, and they’re just waiting for them to begin construction.

In other news, a new splash pad has been proposed for the park on Hammick Road.

According to county officials, one company has already met with them and gave an estimate of $150,000 to $350,000 in total costs for the project, depending on the size.

Ford proposed doing the project in a joint effort with the City of Jeffersonville. Ford said he spoke extensively with Jeffersonville Mayor Charles Williams about it, and according to Ford, he’s open to the idea.

Birdsong suggested they pause the conversation until the company can visit the park and give a more accurate cost. Ultimately, commissioners agreed to table the topic until then.

Also during last week’s meeting, commissioners agreed to renew a uniform contract with Cintas.

Cintas, an Ohio based uniform company, provides the county with uniforms for the fire, water and road departments. Cintas not only provides the county with uniforms, but they also launder them for the county on a weekly basis.

Officials noted that the cost wasn’t going up and would stay the same price as last year, just that it’s “that time of year to renew.”

A resident of Cary Road also spoke up during public comments, calling for the county to lower the speed limit on Cary Road and add road humps, following a fatal hit-and-run incident in July.

Gyrino Stanley was struck and killed on Cary Road in the early morning hours of July 19. Law enforcement still have not arrested the driver responsible.

Simmons requested the board not only reduce the speed on that road but that the board look into adding speed humps in the highest-population areas to force drivers to slow down.

According to commissioners, speed limits are set by the Georgia Department of Transportation.