Commissioners Discuss Agreements with Probation Company, Legacy Link

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Judge Andrew Fuller presented a request for renewal of the contract between Dawson County and Northeast Georgia Probation Services, Inc. (NGPSI) for Probation Supervision and Rehabilitation Services during Thursday’s Board of Commissioners work session.

The letter designates NGPSI as the sole provider of probation services for the county as ordered by Superior and Probate Court. NGPSI provides services and programs for misdemeanor offenders on probation by the courts.

Legacy Link, which provides multiple services for the county’s senior center requires the county to sign a commitment letter each year to receive funding.

The commitment is for a local government match. For the last several years the annual match amount has been $9,450 per year. That was the amount budgeted for 2017. The new commitment letter states is for $10,450 for July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Because the grant crosses years, the increase needed for 2017 is $500. In 2018, the other half of the increase ($500) will be budgeted. Legacy Link provides services like Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, transportation, and center management to the county.

The board is also considering a request for $2,600 to provide training for four new members and 2 returning members to the Development Authority of Dawson County.

The county’s new attorney Lynn Frey reported that a charge of discrimination filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in January against the Sheriff’s Department was responded to by former attorney Joey Homans and that the EEOC has not taken the claim as one they will pursue. In dismissing the administrative claim the EEOC has given the former employee a “right to sue” letter which states that it is now up to the claimant to decide whether to take it to a State or Federal court by filing a Complaint in Court. The claimant will have 90 days to file suit or lose the right to further action.

Frey also reported that Homans had drafted an answer to the Dawson Forrest Holdings lawsuit: before turning the file over to him and that he would handle the matter going forward.