Columbia County | Board of Commissioners Meeting (November 3rd)

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting was held November 3, 2026. A presentation announced that construction contracts for the new Georgia State Veterans Cemetery in Augusta had been signed the prior week. The project is expected to receive $13.6 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for construction and an additional $2 million for burial vaults; no contractors were named. The state will own and operate the cemetery, with first interments anticipated in summer 2028. The commissioners also approved a one-time 3% merit payment for eligible county employees following performance evaluations, and nominated Deputy County Manager Matt Schlloer as the sole finalist for county manager, with a vote and contract negotiations expected before the November 17 meeting.

The board approved initiating amendments to the county code to comply with Georgia House Bill 155, with planning commission review and subsequent readings scheduled. It denied a request for a variance allowing a convenience store to operate 24 hours a day, while approving a rezoning and related setback variances for a dental-office expansion. Public comment raised concerns about parking and enforcement near Augusta Cheer Academy. No county contract award or vendor selection was identified beyond the cemetery project update.