Dade County Commission Recap: Proclamations, SPLOST Tech Upgrade, Animal Code Rewrite, 90-Day Solar Pause

TRENTON, Ga. — The Dade County Board of Commissioners covered a full slate at Thursday’s workshop and regular meeting, approving proclamations, advancing capital equipment plans, updating ordinances, and hearing from citizens on inspections and upcoming community events.

Proclamations & Community Involvement

The board recognized November as Adoption Awareness Month and Hospice Month.
Commissioner Bob Woods shared his family’s experience with adoption: “Many of these kids come with baggage, but it’s worth it. If anyone has questions, please call me to talk about it.”
County Executive Don Townsend thanked local hospice providers and encouraged residents to consider serving on the Special Use Permit Board, noting ongoing vacancies.

Capital Equipment & SPLOST

IT Deputy Director Alex Case requested three replacement servers totaling $59,418.75 for countywide systems. Finance Director Rebecca Jones reported SPLOST collections are ahead of projections, giving the county flexibility to handle critical tech and infrastructure needs through reallocation.

Ordinances & Policy

• Animals — Comprehensive Rewrite Adopted. The update consolidates past amendments and clarifies rabies vaccination and animal restraint rules. County Attorney Robin Rogers said the revision creates a single, consistent reference.

• 90-Day Solar Moratorium. Commissioner Melissa Bradford introduced—and the board approved—a temporary pause on commercial solar farm permitting while staff studies setbacks, land-use standards, and best practices to balance property rights with responsible development.

• Meeting Date Change. Resolution R-44-25 shifts the January 2026 meeting from the federal holiday to Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Agreements & Funding Frameworks

• UGA Extension MOU. The board tabled updates to the memorandum with UGA Extension to fine-tune language on county participation in future hiring.

• Opioid Settlement Policy. Commissioner Bradford outlined procedures for distributing roughly $150,000 to local prevention and recovery programs; action to follow after public review.

Citizens’ Participation

Residents spoke about inspection procedures, offering suggestions to maintain high standards of professionalism and safety.

Community note: Audrey Clark announced the Dade County Christmas Parade for Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m., with a “Lighted Parade Winter Wonderland” theme.

Commissioner Reports

• Bill Pullen: Bridge work updates, recent traffic incidents, Georgia Power system improvements.

• Phillip Hartline: Sports complex maintenance; congratulations to the softball team on a strong finish.

• Bob Woods: Trenton-Dade Animal Center (TDAC) outreach and vaccinations; Veterans Day parade at 6 p.m. followed by God & Country Service; county offices closed Tues., Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

• Melissa Bradford: Transfer station operations; recycling and potential glass options.

• Don Townsend: GDOT infrastructure planning, community events, and economic development updates.