Heard 911 Dispatcher presented with service award

(Franklin/Times-Journal) — The Heard County Commissioners met on October 23, 2018 in the administration building in Franklin. All Commissioners were in attendance. Chairman Boone called the meeting to order, gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledge to the flag.

Commissioners presented Dedria Brown, Heard County 911 Emergency Dispatcher with a 20-year service award in recognition of her loyal and dedicated service to Heard County. Dedria began her career on September 9, 1998 in Heard County.

Each of the Commissioners and Chairman Boone expressed their gratitude to Dedria for her many accomplishments in the 20 years of dedicated service.

Chris Acosta, Director of Heard County 911 Emergency Dispatcher stated, “ I want to take a moment to embarrass Dedria a little bit. In 2001 I nominated her for Dispatcher of the Year for the whole state of Georgia. She was selected as Georgia State Dispatcher of the Year, due to her professionalism, her calm demeanor, and her most likely saving the life of one of our police officers, our sheriff deputy. I just want everyone to know and appreciate what a great 911 dispatcher she is. She saved his life that night!”

(L-R) Commissioner Joe Adams, Commissioner Larry Hammond, Commission Chairman Lee Boone, Commissioner Larry Hooks, Heard County 911 Dispatcher Mrs. Dedria Brown, Commissioner Keri Denney, Commissioner Gwen Caldwell (Photo: Debbie O’Neal)

Minutes from the September 25 meeting were approved as written.

A public hearing was held for a special use application for Southern Linc for a cell phone tower to be located on the property owned by Brian and Cara Garrett on Charlie B Johnston Road in Heard County.

Southern Linc is a regional Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) carrier providing coverage in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

The application was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission with the following conditions that Southern Linc will provide broadband spots on the tower for Heard County Emergency and Heard County Development Authority.

Some close property owners that live on Charlie B Johnston Road were opposed to the tower being built due to the fact that it would be a 400 foot tower and feared it would bring their property value down. The public hearing was closed.

Under New Business the Commissioners approved the special use application for Southern Linc with the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission.

The commissioners approved a motion to adopt a resolution for Heard County Transit FY20.

Guest speaker Terry Harper spoke to commissioners on behalf of Glenloch Baptist Church. Terry requested that around 500 feet of Starpoint Road be considered for paving. No decision was made.

Also under new business the commissioners discussed changing operating hours at the Convenience Centers in Heard County when the daylight savings time ends  in November. The Centers will open an hour earlier and close an hour earlier during the week. The new operating hours were approved.

Commissioners reappointed Jerry Nixon to the Heard County Board of Tax Assessors

There was no old business. The commissioners went into executive session to discuss litigation. The meeting was adjourned.