DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County commissioners will decide on three requests by the Public Works Department when they meet in regular session today at 6 p.m. Two of those will come at no cost to the county.

The state has requested a letter of support to install Right In Right Out Left In (RIROLI) access controls at the intersections of Kilough Church Road and Ga. Hwy. 400 and Walmart/Home Depot North Georgia Premium Outlets and Ga. Hwy. 400. All improvements will be made within the existing Right of Way.
The letter is a formality. This is a state project that can begin without Board approval. The work will be fully funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and will all be performed within the right-of-way.

Public Works Director David McKee has notified the Board that a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road along Blacks Mill Creek has been damaged and needs repair. GDOT has a grant available to fund unforeseen emergencies and the Board will vote on whether to apply for the grant. County staff has acquired engineering quotes and prepared cost estimates for design and construction. The total estimated cost is $180,000.

Two major pieces of equipment utilized by the Public Works Department need to be replaced The Board will vote on purchasing a side arm mower and utility tractor mower at a cost of $210,000. If approved, the equipment will be purchased with SPLOST VI proceeds.

Commissioners are expected to vote on a request to allow Drug Treatment Services to apply for a state grant in the amount of $279,514. The county plans to bring HELP Program under Treatment Court as a mental health court track and wants to make an application for state funding. A match of $31,057 would be required from county funds.

The enhanced funding would be used to continue three counselor positions, attend the state conference, employ surveillance officers for home visits and drug screen collection, drug testing and supplies, and a desktop and iPad.

The Board is also expected to vote on renewal of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Dawsonville authorizing the county to organize and implement all municipal elections. The IGA is drafted and adopted each odd year and any even year when a special election is called.