Complaints of loud music continuing into the early morning hours and suspicion of underage drinking at the Jenkins County Agriculture Center have prompted the Jenkins County Commissioners to take action. During a June meeting, the group approved a “Rules List”, compiled by Wade Parker, Jenkins County Extension Service coordinator, to be followed by citizens who rent the facility.

The action was taken after the commissioners heard a complaint from a resident who lives in the Ag Center area. The resident complained of loud noise at the facility that prevented those living nearby from sleeping and told of his suspicion that underage drinking was taking place. He asked that the commissioners raise the rental fee and set an 11 p.m. curfew for those using the facility.

The commissioners agreed to contact Mr. Parker and work with him on improving use of the facility.

Several actions were taken by the commissioners in connection with the Jenkins County Hospital. A list of names was approved to be submitted to the Jenkins County Hospital Authority for the selection of three citizens to fill the expiring terms of three current members. A motion was approved authorizing the chairman to sign an “Indigent Health Care Agreement” with the Community Holding Group, if the sale of the hospital is approved, with Chairman James Henry reporting that the cost of indigent health care would be the county’s responsibility. A motion was also approved to sign an agreement with Community Holding Group to contract with a doctor to come Jenkins County.

In other business, a lease between the City of Millen and the county allowing the city to run a gas line through county property between the Jenkins County Canning Plant building and the Jenkins County Alternative School was approved.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included the following:

• Approved the employment of temporary extra help for the Jenkins County Tax Appraiser’s office, the cost not to exceed $3,500, in order to complete this year’s Tax Digest on a timely basis;

• Tabled discussion on the Jenkins County Emergency Medical Services overtime until the next meeting of the group;

• Awarded bid for lawn care to low bidder R.C. Lawn Care in the amount of $8,954 annually;

• Awarded bid for pest control services to low bidder I Spy Pest Control in the amount of $2,460 annually;

• Approved the purchase of a Dell desktop computer for the commissioners’ office at a cost of $1,428.06;

• Approved the donation of $2,500 to Millen Better Hometown to help defray the cost for patriotic celebration;

• Approved rate increase of 10 cents per private acre for the Georgia Forestry Commission to handle forest fires in Jenkins County; and

• Approved new Volunteer Fire Agreement for 2010-2011 fiscal year budget at a cost of $45,000.