Toombs County Commission Commends Employee’s Service
The man who faithfully worked at the Toombs County landfill, and finished his 43 years there as supervisor, was honored by the County Commissioners at their April meeting. Charles Newsome doesn’t want to retire, but it has come to that time in his life: “I’ve enjoyed these years I’ve worked with the County and with a great bunch of Board of Commissioners, who treated me with respect and honor; I call you gentlemen. I thank my church family for coming tonight, and my friends. I leave the landfill in good hands. I’ve had a good run, but I’ve run down!” Friends, the Commissioners, and Newsome’s Pastor, Harry Sims, all summed up Newsome’s life as one of integrity. Comments made to honor him were, “Thank you for living your life as an example of integrity,” “he has time for others, and is concerned for others,” “he’s a giving person,” “he works with Toombs County, and not for the county.” All agreed it’s a pleasure and an honor to know Newsome, and wished him a great retirement. Newsome was also honored with a plaque from Chairman David Sikes and the Commissioners proclaiming gratitude for his years of service. Citizens who hounded the Commissioners about the dire condition of the Green Box Site, or garbage drop off site, known as Petross on State Route 130, will be pleased. Those who abused the use of the site and worsened the conditions will have to find another place to properly dispose of household waste. The Commissioners gave a resounding vote to permanently “close this site, effective as soon as practically possible,” as stated by County Manager John Jones. This action was taken even before an alternate drop off site has been confirmed because of the recurring strewn garbage, the complaints, and the poor appearance to visitors.
Jones reported that EMS Director Drew James proposed using this year’s Georgia Trauma Commission Equipment Grant to purchase a chest compression system for the Toombs- Montgomery EMS. The total cost of the system is $14,250.52 and would require the balance of $7912.08 to be paid by the County. The Board approved this request, with the balance to be paid with EMS funds. With the acquisition of the new compression system, all ambulances will be equipped with one. Commissioners also approved a ground emergency transport services agreement between the EMS and Meadows Regional Medical Center.
Jones presented another request for services that the public has been pleased with in the past year. The Board approved the contract be renewed for right of way mowing with K & A Mowing for the same cost of $165 per mile. With all paved roads being included in the service this year, the annual cost for three cuttings will be $81,480.66. This is a savings from what county personnel and equipment could provide.
The Board approved the FY2022 budget for the Office of the District Attorney of the Middle Judicial Circuit. This budget, submitted by Jones on behalf of DA Tripp Fitzner, is unchanged from the previous year.
Construction projects on the courthouse, the Ross Bowen Agricultural Complex, and the EMA/ EMS renovation are all underway and are on schedule. County management met with the courthouse architect and contractor after the groundbreaking ceremony, and will do so every other week.
Earlier on the day of this meeting, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site of the new courthouse. Chairman Sikes commended Jones and County Clerk Helen Harris “for how much behind the scenes work you do, especially for the courthouse and the groundbreaking, and taking care of our citizens. Thank you. You do an exceptional job. I’m glad to be part of the team with you.” Jones deflected the commendation to Harris, saying that every bit of the groundbreaking preparation was done by her, very little by himself.
