LCBOC CM 8 25 26

The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 26, 2026, primarily addressing budget and tax millage rates, including the approval of the countywide millage rate at 4.96 mills and special district millages for the industrial authority, parks and recreation authority, and fire services. The board also approved several transportation infrastructure projects under the Transportation Improvement Act, including a $13.1 million resurfacing project and a supplemental agreement increasing funding for Twin Lakes Road improvements to $3.49 million. Additionally, the board approved applications and engineering selections related to the 2026 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public comments expressing strong opposition to a proposed AI data center project, citing concerns about environmental risks, groundwater contamination, noise pollution, property values, and long-term local employment impacts. The board approved a 60-day moratorium on data center permit applications to allow further consideration. The meeting also included the award of a sludge removal contract to BAM 2 Incorporated after rejecting the lowest bid due to capability concerns.