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PUBLIC NOTICES
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Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies - the Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Environmental Protection Division, the Department of Housing and Urban Development - Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that McIntosh County, the Responsible Entity (RE) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The proposed project(s) is located along Jones, LeCounte, Tyson Bacon and West Roads. The proposed project includes replacing the existing 2” and 4” water mains on the roads stated above, installation of hydrants, and associated valves with the new sections of water line. New hydrants will be installed and spaced to meet fire flow regulations, and all services will be connected to the new line. The scope includes approximately 9,189 LF of new water lines, 11 new fire hydrants, and a total of 42 service transfers. Also to be performed is the rehabilitation of the existing well that services this area. Less than one (1) acre of floodplains is located within the project area.
McIntosh County (RE) has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
(i) Reasons why the action must take place in a floodplain/wetland:
a. The existing water main already crosses through the floodplain areas and the proposed activities will only have minimal impact on the floodplain,
b. Alternatives will result in a greater environmental impact based on the size and scope of work,
c. Alternatives will require a longer timeline for development and construction,
d. Alternatives will not be responsive to current and near-term needs,
e. Alternatives include greater acquisition needs, and
f. Alternatives have higher costs than the proposed option.
(ii) Alternatives considered and reasons for non-selection:
a. No Action Alternative (not selected – item (d) above)
b. Regional Solutions (not selected – items (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) above)
c. Minimum Improvements (not selected – items (b) and (d) above)
(iii) Mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
a. Floodplain/wetland crossings will be done by horizontal directional drilling, with bore pits being located outside of jurisdictional determination boundaries, where applicable.
b. Restoration of disturbed areas to pre-development conditions, when applicable.
The Responsible Entity has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice:
First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas.
Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas.
Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the Responsible Entity at the following address on or before February 26, 2026: McIntosh County Board of Commissioners Office, 1200 North Way, Darien, Ga 31305 and 912-437-6671. Attention: Shawn Jordan, County Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday at the same address as above. Comments may also be submitted via email at shawn.jordan@mcintoshcounty-ga.gov
Date: Wednesday February 11, 2026
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CONCURRENT NOTICE TO PUBLIC OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT AND NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date: February 11, 2026
McIntosh County
1200 North Way
Darien, Ga 31305
(912) 437-6671
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS
On February 27, 2026 McIntosh County will request the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to release Federal funds under - Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, for the following project:
The project activity location is located in the upper Northwestern section of the County, approximately 1 1/2 miles southeast of the Long County line on Jones Rd. The roads located within the project area Jones Road, Lecounte Road, Tyson Bacon, and West Roads.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly affecting the quality or the human environment and, accordingly, McIntosh County has decided not to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190).
The reasons for such decision not to prepare such Statement are as follows:
No significant negative impact on the environment was found.
An Environmental Review Record respecting the proposed project has been made by McIntosh County which documents the environmental review of the project and more fully sets forth the reasons why such Statement is not required. This Environmental Record is on file at the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners Office and is available for public review and copying upon request at the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners Office between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Please call: Shawn Jordan, County Manager, McIntosh County, 1200 North Way, Darien, Ga 31305, 912-437-6671.
No further environmental review of such project is proposed to be conducted prior to the request for release of Federal funds.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON FONSI
All interested agencies, groups and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners. Written comments should be submitted to the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, Catherine Pontello Karwacki, Chairman, at 1200 North Way, Darien, Ga 31305. Such written comments should be received by the Chairman on or before February 26, 2026. All such comments so received will be considered and McIntosh County will not request the release of Federal funds or take any administrative action on the proposed project prior to the date specified in the preceding sentence.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI/RROF)
At least one day after termination of the public comment period for the FONSI but not before comments on the FONSI have been considered and resolved, McIntosh County will submit a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and Certification to DCA. By so doing
McIntosh County will ask DCA to allow it to commit funds to this project certifying that 1) it has performed the environmental review prescribed by HUD regulations (“Environmental Review Procedures for Title I Community Development Block Grant Program” - 24 CFR Part 58), and 2) the Certifying Officer, Catherine Pontello Karwacki, Chairman, does so accept the jurisdiction of the federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review or resulting decisionmaking and action. The legal effect of the certification is that by approving it, DCA will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environment Act thus allowing
McIntosh County to commit Community Development Block Grant funds to this project.
OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
DCA will accept objection to this approval of the release of funds and the certification only if it is on one of the following bases: a) that the certification was not in fact executed by the Certifying Officer; or b) that applicant’s Environmental Review Record for the project indicated omission of a required decision, finding, or step applicable to the project in the environmental review process. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24 CFR Part 58) and may be addressed to DCA at CDBG
Section, 60 Executive Park South NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231.
Objections to the release of funds on bases other than those stated above will not be considered by the State. No objection received after March 14, 2026 will be considered by DCA.
Name: Catherine Pontello Karwacki, Chairman
Address: McIntosh County
1200 North Way
City/Zip: Darien, Ga 31305
1/05/26
On December 26, 2025, the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to advertise a special meeting/public hearing to be held on January 19, 2026. This authorization was issued to allow the Board an opportunity to consider and possibly adopt amendments to the Hogg Hammock Zoning Ordinance.
However, the original basis for holding that hearing is no longer applicable. Therefore, I am exercising my authority as Chair and cancelling the January 19 meeting.
On January 20, 2026, the voters of McIntosh County will decide whether to repeal the Hogg Hammock Zoning Ordinance adopted in 2023. If the referendum is successful, the zoning ordinance currently in place for Hogg Hammock will stand repealed and the island left without zoning regulation.
KPK
Kate Pontello Karwacki
McIntosh County Board of Commissioners
Cell: 912-269-0709
12/23/25
The County is calling a special meeting this Friday, December 26, at 9 am here at the County Annex to enter Executive Session to discuss the potential for settling the Sapelo Referendum litigation, and consider an MOU regarding the Sapelo Referendum, impose a moratorium on the acceptance of zoning/variance applications on Sapelo, and authorize legal ads to run for the proposed zoning text amendments.
10/13/25
9/15/25
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 3.63%. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at Darein City Hall in the David Bluestein Meeting Room on September 26, 2025 at 9am. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at Darien City Hall in the David Bluestein Meeting Room on October 9, 2025 at 10am and October 9, 2025 at 6pm. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 11.50 mills, an increase of 0.403 mills over the rollback rate. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 11.097 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $250,000 is approximately $40.30 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $16.12.
9/11/25
In accordance with the requirements for our 2025 DCA CDBG Grant: for Public review, below is the link for the Analysis of Impediments To Fair Housing Choice.
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/bartowga/CommissionerOffice/Georgia_analysis_of_impediments_2016.pdf
Let this serve as notice for our Annual Budget Retreat which will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 9 am. The meeting will be held at Dorchester Shooting Preserve located at 2640 Sunbury Road, Midway, GA. We will be meeting in the chapel located on the property and anticipate being completed by 3pm. Discussion on the upcoming FY2026 budget will be held and no action will be taken at this time.
Kate Pontello Karwacki
McIntosh County Board of Commissioners
Cell: 912-269-0709
BOARD OPENINGS
#1. Notice of Board Opening
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners will be making a Non-Public Representative appointment to the Coastal Regional Commission Council. If you are interested in being considered for this appointment, please mail a resume along with the Citizen Board Application to the Board of Commissioners at P.O. Box 584, Darien, GA. 31305. Board applications are available at www.mcintoshcountyga.com or upon request at the Annex building located at 1200 Northway. Applications will be accepted until August 14, 2025.
Sherrell Davis
McIntosh County Clerk
(07/17-08/14)
#2. Notice of Board Opening
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners will be making an appointment to the Aging Services Committee of the Coastal Regional Commission Council. If you are interested in being considered for this appointment, please mail a resume along with the Citizen Board Application to the Board of Commissioners at P.O. Box 584, Darien, GA. 31305. Board applications are available at www.mcintoshcountyga.com or upon request at the Annex building located at 1200 Northway. Applications will be accepted until August 14, 2025.
Sherrell Davis
McIntosh County Clerk
(07/17-08/14)
#3. Notice of Board Opening
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners will be making an appointment to the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority Board. If you are interested in being considered for this appointment, please mail a resume along with the Citizen Board Application to the Board of Commissioners at P.O. Box 584, Darien, GA. 31305. Board applications are available at www.mcintoshcountyga.com or upon request at the Annex building located at 1200 Northway. Applications will be accepted until August 14, 2025.
Sherrell Davis
McIntosh County Clerk
(07/17-08/14)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McIntosh County Postpones Zoning Code Readoption Pending Supreme Court Case
McIntosh County, GA, March 3, 2025 – The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners has taken formal action to postpone the scheduled public hearings regarding readoption of its zoning code and map in light of receiving notice from the Georgia Supreme Court that oral hearings in the McIntosh County v. Webster appeal will occur on April 16, 2025.
The decision to delay the readoption, originally set to begin before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 4th, comes as the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners seeks to ensure nothing it does at the local level gets in the way of the Georgia Supreme Court issuing a final ruling in McIntosh v. Webster.
“The outcome of the Webster case has significant legal implications, both in McIntosh County and throughout the state of Georgia. The Board of Commissioner’s priority is to ensure that our zoning code reflects a development vision that serves the best interests of the entire County. Being in an area that is on the cusp of rapid growth pressures, we must ensure that our zoning code is nuanced such as will allow balanced development. Our code should incentivize positive, smart growth in corridors and nodes where it ensures the County’s tax digest is balanced, but our code should discourage growth where the character and history of McIntosh is undermined,” said Kate Pontello Karwacki, Commission Chairman. “By postponing the readoption process, we can carefully assess any legal implications and make informed adjustments that protect the interests of our community while remaining compliant with the law.”
The McIntosh County Board of Commission remains committed to responsible development and regulatory clarity. A revised timeline for the zoning code readoption will be announced following the Supreme Court’s decision.
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McIntosh County Public Hearings
“Notice of Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Public Hearing regarding McIntosh County Zoning Map
The McIntosh County Planning and Zoning Commission will meet in regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the McIntosh County Board of Education Transportation Center, 200 Pine Street, Darien, Georgia for all purposes under the law, including but not limited to conducting a public hearing regarding adopting, ratifying and reaffirming the McIntosh County Zoning Map, to include making a formal recommendation to the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners regarding same. The Zoning Map to be considered for adoption, ratification and reaffirmance shall be available for public review and inspection during normal business hours at the McIntosh County Building office, 100 Madison Street, Darien, GA 31305, and the McIntosh County Commission office, 1200 North Way, Darien, GA 31305. If adopted, ratified, and reaffirmed, all prior versions of the Zoning Map shall stand superseded. Final consideration of the matter will be addressed by the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners at their regular session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the David Bluestein Meeting Room in the Old City Hall Building, 106 Washington Street, Darien, GA 31305.”
“Notice of Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Public Hearing regarding McIntosh County Zoning Ordinance
The McIntosh County Planning and Zoning Commission will meet in regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the McIntosh County Board of Education Transportation Center, 200 Pine Street, Darien, Georgia for all purposes under the law, including but not limited to conducting a public hearing regarding adopting, ratifying and reaffirming the McIntosh County Zoning Ordinance, to include making a formal recommendation to the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners regarding same. The Zoning Ordinance to be considered for adoption, ratification and reaffirmance shall be available for public review and inspection during normal business hours at the McIntosh County Building office, 100 Madison Street, Darien, GA 31305, and the McIntosh County Commission office, 1200 North Way, Darien, GA 31305. If adopted, ratified and reaffirmed, all prior versions of the Zoning Ordinance shall stand superseded. Final consideration of the matter will be addressed by the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners at their regular session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the David Bluestein Meeting Room in the Old City Hall Building, 106 Washington Street, Darien, GA 31305.”
“Notice of Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Public Hearing regarding McIntosh County Zoning Ordinance
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners will meet in regular session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the David Bluestein Meeting Room in the Old City Hall Building, 106 Washington Street, Darien, Georgia, 31305 for all purposes under the law, including but not limited to conducting a public hearing regarding adopting, ratifying and reaffirming the McIntosh County Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance to be considered for adoption, ratification and reaffirmance shall be available for public review and inspection during normal business hours at the McIntosh County Building office, 100 Madison Street, Darien, GA 31305 and the McIntosh County Commission office, 1200 North Way, Darien, GA 31305. If adopted, ratified, and reaffirmed, all prior versions of the Zoning Ordinance shall stand superseded.”
“Notice of Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Public Hearing regarding McIntosh County Zoning Map
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners will meet in regular session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the David Bluestein Meeting Room in the Old City Hall Building, 106 Washington Street, Darien, Georgia, 31305 for all purposes under the law, including but not limited to conducting a public hearing on adopting, ratifying and reaffirming the McIntosh County Zoning Map. The Zoning Map to be considered for adoption, ratification and reaffirmance shall be available for public review and inspection during normal business hours at the McIntosh County Building office, 100 Madison Street, Darien, GA 31305 and the McIntosh County Commission office, 1200 North Way, Darien, GA 31305. If adopted, ratified, and reaffirmed, all prior versions of the Zoning Map shall stand superseded.”
Public Meeting Notice
The McIntosh County Emergency Management Agency will hold a Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation planning meeting on March 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Darien City Hall located at 106 Washington Street Darien, GA 31305.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the public to provide comments about the Joint County/City updated Hazard Mitigation Plan that has been submitted to the Geogia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency for review. This plan outlines strategies to help protect our community in the event of a disaster. Citizens, Elected Officials, Business Representatives, Non-Profits, School Officials, Public Safety Officials, and surrounding Counties are invited to attend this meeting.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 19.38%. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at Darein City Hall in the David Bluestein Meeting Room on September 26, 2024 at 10am and 6:30pm. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at Darien City Hall in the David Bluestein Meeting Room on October 7, 2024 at 2pm. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 11.50 mills, an increase of 1.867 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 9.633 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $250,000 is approximately $186.70 and the proposed tax increase for nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $74.68.
Notice of Property Tax Increase: