Steve Taylor delivers State of Ben Hill County, cites strong finances and infrastructure work ahead Chairman Steve Taylor told commissioners that Ben Hill County enters 2024 with a balanced budget, significant reserves and a list of 2023 capital and service improvements, while warning of fiscal challenges tied to property values and sales tax receipts.

Ben Hill County is stepping into 2024 with a balanced budget and exciting improvements on the horizon, but challenges lie ahead that require community involvement!

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Sheriff reports arrests, weapons seizures and expanded anti-gang training in Ben Hill County Sheriff Lee Cone told the Ben Hill County commissioners that local law enforcement has made dozens of gang- and drug-related arrests, seized more than 25 firearms and is expanding training and school prevention programs while urging residents to use a joint app for updates.

Sheriff Lee Cone reveals a shocking wave of gang-related arrests and gun seizures in Ben Hill County, highlighting urgent community safety measures and ongoing investigations.

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Ben Hill County Commission approves optional curbside trash contract with Golden Environmental after 3-2 vote The Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on June 3 to approve a contract with Golden Environmental LLC to offer optional curbside trash pickup countywide while keeping two staffed convenience sites; residents will be charged $25 per month for one can and $11.50 for an additional can.

Ben Hill County is taking a big step toward modern waste management with a new optional curbside trash service that could save money and reduce inequities in trash collection!

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Ben Hill County holds public hearing on $9.56 million proposed 2021 budget; manager cites $200,000 increase At a Dec. 16, 2020 public hearing, Ben Hill County presented a proposed $9,562,786 2021 budget and related special funds; County Manager Michael Dinnerman said a $200,000 increase reflects IT, recurring maintenance and insurance costs, and county officials reported strong cash and tax-collection figures.

Ben Hill County is gearing up for 2021 with a proposed budget of over $9.5 million, reflecting a surprising $200,000 increase driven by essential IT and maintenance needs.

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Ben Hill County declares state of emergency, institutes curfew after winter storm The Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a state of emergency and instituting a curfew after a winter storm that dropped about eight inches of snow, the county's EMA director told the board.

Ben Hill County has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew following a winter storm that blanketed the area with eight inches of snow!

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Ben Hill County commissioners approve appointments, an alcohol license and participation in Purdue opioid settlement At the Aug. 5 meeting, the commissioners unanimously approved an alcohol license, multiple board appointments and authorized participation in the New Purdue Opioid Settlement; Vice-Chair Hope Harmon also reported results from a local opioid-prevention program.

Ben Hill County commissioners made significant strides in their latest meeting, approving an alcohol license for A Better Place and participating in the crucial New Purdue Opioid Settlement.

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#BenHillCounty #GA #YouthPrevention #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Ben Hill County reports near‑complete power restoration, distributes supplies after Hurricane Helene County officials said most power has been restored after Hurricane Helene, distributed water, MREs, tarps and food, opened temporary debris sites and are repairing washed‑out roads; no storm‑related injuries were reported.

Ben Hill County is bouncing back strong after Hurricane Helene, with power nearly restored and vital supplies like food and water distributed to the community!

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Ben Hill County commissioners rehire top staff, approve tax resolutions and holiday calendar At their Jan. 7 meeting, Ben Hill County Commissioners unanimously rehired the county manager, county clerk, county attorney and auditing firm, approved two tax-related resolutions and adopted the 2025 holiday calendar; commissioners also reappointed members to local boards and heard annual reports from the tax commissioner and sheriff.

Ben Hill County Commissioners made waves at their latest meeting by rehiring key staff and passing crucial tax resolutions, all while gearing up for a bright 2025 with a newly adopted holiday calendar.

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Ben Hill County commissioners approve transfer of E‑911 management, $4M TAN and purchase of sheriff computers At a May 7 meeting, Ben Hill County commissioners voted to transfer E‑911 management to the board, authorized a $4,000,000 tax anticipation note at 4.50% and approved buying 30 computers for the sheriff’s office amid a reported jail cyber-attack that county staff said involved a $240,000 ransom demand.

Ben Hill County commissioners take decisive action amidst a cyber-attack, approving a $4 million tax anticipation note and a transfer of E-911 management to bolster emergency services!

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Ben Hill County tables special-exception decision for Christian Recovery Centers, orders inspections After staff reported zoning, septic and accessibility violations and a history of emergency calls tied to the property, commissioners unanimously voted to table Christian Recovery Centers’ Special Exception for about 60 days and authorized the chair to deliver a letter asking the center to come into compliance and allow inspections.

Ben Hill County commissioners have delayed a decision on a troubled recovery center amid serious health and safety concerns, sparking a critical push for compliance.

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Ben Hill County tightens operations for COVID-19: jail sanitizing and releases, E911 contingency and limited public access In response to COVID-19, Ben Hill County officials reported daily jail sanitization and release of 11 misdemeanor inmates, curtailed visitation and transports, E911 contingency planning including a recommended app (Tango Tango) at an estimated $3,000–$4,000, and county plans to limit public access effective March 19 while waiving tax penalties.

Ben Hill County is implementing strict measures to combat COVID-19, including the daily sanitization of jails and the release of misdemeanor inmates to protect public health.

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Ben Hill County approves CDBG application, multiple contracts and $27,000 for school-focused opioid program At its March 4 meeting, the Ben Hill County Commission approved a CDBG application and several contracts and resolutions, re-appointed a solid-waste authority member and authorized $27,000 from opioid settlement funds for a six-month, school-based opioid prevention program; all motions passed unanimously.

Ben Hill County is taking a bold step to tackle youth mental health by allocating $27,000 for a school-centered opioid prevention program aimed at supporting children affected by substance use.

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#BenHillCounty #GA #BenHillCountyOpioidPrevention #CitizenPortal #YouthMentalHealth