SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The day before Effingham County commissioners are set to hold a public hearing on ending the county’s more than 80-year partnership with the Live Oak Public Library system, a new letter alleges top county officials orchestrated a plan to separate the libraries without proper legal authority or public transparency.
Meeting to decide library’s future
County commissioners are scheduled to meet Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Effingham County Administrative Complex, 804 N. Laurel St., Springfield, to consider a resolution formally requesting withdrawal from Live Oak and establishing a county-controlled library system. A public hearing on the removal of library board Chair Erica Biezenbos is scheduled for 7 p.m., followed by discussion of the resolution. The public is encouraged to attend.
Allegations detailed in letter
The allegations, outlined in a letter sent Monday to the county’s legal counsel by attorney Wade W. Herring II, describe what he calls the “Library Project,” reportedly developed in late 2024 by then-commission chair Wesley Corbitt, commissioner Roger Burdette, and consultant Nate Ball. Ball, a former grade school media specialist, was hired under a consulting contract approved in December 2024 and later requested a salary of $120,000 to become library director, receiving $77,659 from January through June 2025. Corbitt reportedly received $7,200 for work on the project.
The letter claims the commissioners do not have legal authority to withdraw from the regional library system, which is overseen by state-appointed library trustees. Herring writes that the plan included efforts to replace trustees who might oppose the move, including chair Erica Biezenbos and trustee Hank Heller.
Emails and text messages included with the letter allege Ball collaborating with Corbitt and Burdette on timing public announcements, managing political optics, and discussing contract terms and compensation. The letter also notes a broader pattern of controversy surrounding library management, including an attempt in November 2023 to defund libraries over concerns about content and “values,” which drew strong public opposition.
County officials will not publicly comment on the letter and its allegations , a spokesperson said Monday.
Background: Costs and controversy
Effingham County’s interest in leaving Live Oak follows a review led by Ball, which found the county spends significantly more on library services than comparable Georgia counties, largely due to administrative overhead. In fiscal year 2025, Effingham spent about $442,000 on administrative costs under Live Oak, compared with $50,000 in Bulloch County. Consultants told commissioners the county could save up to $373,000 annually by operating a standalone system or partnering with Statesboro, while core services such as PINES and GALILEO would remain available. PINES allows residents to borrow materials from any participating Georgia library with one card, and GALILEO provides access to online databases and e-books.
Supporters say withdrawal would give the county more control over policies, hours, and programs while allowing savings to be reinvested in staff, services, and facilities. Opponents, including Live Oak officials, warn it could result in loss of much of the physical collection, technical equipment, specialized programming, and community partnerships currently offered at the Rincon and Springfield branches.
