Chairman Chester Ellis and Commissioner Patrick Farrell
Chatham County Board of Commissioners
On September 20, Chairman Chester Ellis and First District Commissioner Patrick Farrell spoke to the Skidaway Hamiltons and Abigails. Commissioner Farrell, who has represented the Islands since 2005, is one of eight Commissioners in Chatham County. He outlined the broad responsibilities of the Board of Commissioners, citing the Court System, the Environment, Home and Property, and Police and Safety. He made special mention of the Counter Narcotics Team dealing with the scourge of fentanyl.
Chairman Ellis talked about how government works…the importance of staff study (what’s the best way to proceed?), legal review (is it lawful?), and financial oversight (where is the money to pay for it?). He spoke about 
the ballot in November. There is a proposal to repurpose $3.3 million no longer needed to widen Eisenhower Drive to fund a county-wide storm water management and drainage facilities plan. Chairman Ellis said that Chatham County has a major issue with flooding as water from the Atlantic flows into the County’s waterways at high tide. Scientists who are experts on climate change say that something must be done by 2030 or some people will lose their homes. These monies would help the county get matching funds and Federal Government help. Transportation is a major issue for Chatham County as the County is expected to double in coming years. Studying this issue and preparing for this growth is an important use for TSPLOST funds. Chairman Ellis said that the County was somewhat behind in the area of transportation because of the unanticipated growth of the Port. Passing TSPLOT would enable Chatham County to eliminate ten railroad crossings, including the one on President Street. The County is working closely with the Port Authority, railroads, and local businesses to determine the best solutions to the transportation issues. Widening streets and resurfacing roads is a major use of TSPLOST funds.
Chairman Ellis also talked about using $10.2 million of TSPLOST funds for One Chatham, giving the Board the ability to have contingency funds that cut across municipalities to complete projects that would stall without new SPLOST funding because of rising costs.
Chairman Ellis was asked about the suspension of County Manager Smith. He said that the law did not allow him to talk about personnel issues until the situation was resolved. He also said that the decision to put Mr. Smith on administrative leave was taken by all the Commissioners except Mr. Farrell who was not available at the time.
Chairman Ellis said he appreciated the opportunity to speak. He referred us to the County Website and suggested we go to My Chatham to ask questions. He also referred us to the 2040 and 2050 plans on the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) website.
