Commissioners Work Session Set Thursday
News February 8, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County commissioners will address several key issues at Thursday’s work session, including appointments to the Development Authority, compensation for the new staff attorney, Monroe Frey III, and the results of the 2016 employee compensation study. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Government Center.
Those being considered for appointment to the Development Authority include Mike Ball, Brian Trapnell, Steven Melching, Anthony Passarello and Calvin Byrd. If approved, their terms could run through 2020. But Authority Chairwoman Dr. Sherry Weeks said last week the organization may not survive past 2017 without funding from the county.
Commissioners voted late last year to withhold funding from the organization.
Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond and Commissioner Chris Gaines were not on the board when the decision to de-fund the Authority was made so their input could impact that decision.
County staff members will provide presentations regarding proposed dates for the 2017 Emergency Services Boot Drive, a 2017 SPLOST VI update and board appointments and the 2017 Georgia Trauma Commission EMS Trauma Equipment Grant application.
Commission Could Name Staff Attorney at Thursday Meeting
News February 1, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners is expected to name a staff attorney when it meets in a regular session Thursday at 6 p.m.
The county decided in December to end its 20-year agreement with Joey Homans of the Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks and McKinnon law firm. County Manager David Headley said the decision was “mainly an efficiency and economics issue.”
The finalists for the position are Monroe Lynn Fry III and Richard Stancil.
Frey has over 35 years’ experience in civil practice, including litigation, local government, contracts, employment law and insurance matters. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in religion in three years at Emory University then attended the University of Georgia Law School, graduating with a degree in Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. He served the City of Brunswick until 2011 when the City chose to outsource its legal services and he went into private practice
Stancil served as Hiawassee City Attorney from 2007 to 2009 and City Manager from 2007-2016. Prior to working with the City of Hiawassee, he worked for a general practice law firm. He is experienced in civil and criminal litigation, corporate and nonprofit law, administrative representation, personal injury and real estate.
Commissioners are also expected to approve a staff recommendation to implement a debt collection and write-off policy for its emergency services department and select an agency to carry out collections.
In other action, the board will consider issuing a Letter of Roundabout Support to the Georgia Department of Transportation, for work at the intersection of SR 136 and Bailey Waters/Keith Evans.
Public Works Director David McKee told the board last week there have been many serious accidents at that intersection and the letter does not necessarily mean a roundabout will be built but without the letter, the GDOT will still take action to make it safer.
McKee is also seeking approval to increase fees at the county transfer station. Current fees are $5-$22 lower than surrounding transfer stations and landfills.
McKee said his staff has reviewed all fee options and recommends the bulk garbage rate be increased to $44 per ton. Staff also recommends a minimum fee of $5 per load weighed. If approved, bagged garbage rates will remain the same at .50 per bag with a 10 bag limit. Any garbage over 10 bags shall be weighed.
Commissioners Consider Initiating Debt Collection, Write-Off Policy
News January 27, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Finance Director Vickie Neikirk presented a compelling argument for why the Dawson County Board of Commissioners should implement a Debt Collection and Write-Off policy during Thursday’s work session.
Neikirk pointed out the current balance of accounts receivable that would be eligible for collection for emergency services ambulance billing is $1,018,947. That debt was accrued over approximately 10 years. The average amount collected by a collection agency is approximately 10 percent.
Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford recommended commissioners approve Professional Recovery Services (PRS) for the job of collecting accounts receivable. Swafford said PRS is a family-owned, Durham, N.C.-based company.
“I feel very confident in making that recommendation to you even though they are about 5 percent higher than the other qualified bidder,” Swafford said. “They are very customer friendly and they are licensed to collect in all 50 states.” If someone moves out of state while owing the county money for services provided, PRS can still attempt to collect the debt.
Public Works Director David McKee presented a letter from the Georgia Department of Transportation, requesting a Letter of Roundabout Support at the intersection of SR 136 and Bailey Waters/Keith Evans intersection. GDOT also provided the county with previous crash data and the geometry of SR 136 that, it said, drives the need for the round-a-bout.
“There have been a lot of serious accidents at that intersection,” McKee pointed out. The letter of support doesn’t necessarily mean that a roundabout would be built there only that the state will take some action to make it safer. McKee pointed out that since SR 136 is a state highway, GDOT will likely take some action with or without county support.
McKee also presented an assessment of the fee situation at county’s transfer station.
The station operates six days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and commercial scales were purchased and installed on site. The current fee schedule has been in place since March 2013.
Eagle Point Landfill has increased its tipping fees by five percent. Current fees are $5-$22 lower than surrounding transfer stations and landfills for bulk garbage and .50 to $1 lower on bagged garbage.
Mckee said staff has reviewed all fee options and recommends bulk garbage rate be increased to $44 per ton. Staff recommends a minimum fee of $5 per load weighed. Bagged garbage rates stay as is at .50/bag with a 10 bag limit. Any garbage over 10 bags shall be weighed.
Council to Decide Mayor’s Fate at 3 p.m. Meeting; Controversial AMP Hearing Scheduled for 7 p.m.
News May 12, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The City of Dawsonville will hold two important meetings Monday. At 3 p.m., the council will conduct an up or down vote on the removal of Mayor James Grogan from office for allegedly violating the City Code and Charter. At 7 p.m. there will be a public hearing on a highly controversial request by Atlanta Motorsports Park to relax lighting, noise and hours of operation restrictions.
Grogan was the subject of a city-wide investigation to decide what, if anything, should be done to ensure city officials are in compliance with the charter. The conclusion was that Mayor Grogan should be removed from office.
At last week’s meeting, Gainesville City Attorney Abbott Hayes, who led the investigation, reported that Grogan had been paid for meetings not authorized by city council, charged alcohol and gasoline to his city-issued credit card, allowed a state representative to pay the lower residential rate for water, sewer and garbage for a business instead of the appropriate commercial rate and that he authorized lower fees for rezoning applications than those set by council.
In responding to the charges, Grogan said, “I’m disappointed in council and what they have laid out. A lot of things they have pointed out go back five years and we’ve made a lot of policy changes since then. I didn’t do anything wrong. This is the result of a witch hunt that has been conducted by two city council members against me for the last year and a half.”
Hayes report alleges that in 2015, when State Rep. Kevin Tanner complained about paying the higher commercial rate for city water, sewer and garbage on behalf of Tanco Investments, LLC, Grogan unilaterally allowed him to pay the lower residential rate instead.
Between 2013 and 2015, Hayes said, Grogan approved donations to nonprofit organizations, including golf tournaments in which he participated as a player. When the City Attorney pointed out that donations to nonprofit organizations by the City violates the gratuities clause of the Georgia State Constitution the payments stopped.
The City Charter provides for the mayor to be paid a monthly compensation of $2,000 plus $100 “for each specially called city council meeting, work session or other meeting that has been pre-approved by the council. But Hayes alleges that Grogan charged the city for meetings that were not pre-approved by council.
Finally, Hayes alleges that in Nov. 2014, Grogan instructed city employee Sara Beachem to purchase four bottles of alcohol for him to give as a door prize at a regional government dinner. The report states that the Mayor’s unilateral decision to purchase alcohol for use as a door prize without approval of the city council violated the City Code and Charter.
Section 5.15 of the City Charter provides the mayor shall be subject to removal for any one or more of the following causes: Incompetence, misfeasance or malfeasance in office; Abandonment of office or neglect to perform the duties thereof or Failure for any other cause to perform the duties of office as required by this Charter or by law.
The 7 p.m. public hearing is expected to draw a standing-room-only crowd as council votes on modifications to the current provisions at Atlanta Motorsports Park that include changes to lighting, sound restrictions, hours and addition of condominiums.
A March 13 Planning Commission hearing on the issue drew a packed house, made up mostly of angry citizens who live near the track and say the noise has already destroyed the tranquility and quality of life in the area. Despite community objections, planning commission voted 2-1 (Stan Worley in opposition) to recommend the modifications.
City council tabled the issue so council members could visit AMP and experience the noise levels firsthand.
The land where AMP was built was annexed from Dawson County and county commissioners wrote a letter to city council requsting council reject the changes on behalf of the citizens who live nearby.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
Personnel Issues Top County Commission Agenda
News April 20, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will meet in the County Government Center Assembly Room at 6 p.m. today.
Commissioners will vote on several personnel issues.
Planning and Development Director Jason Streetman has requested the Board allow him to hire an administrative assistant and an additional building inspector to help keep up with the increased work flow in that department.
Streetman said the administrative assistant is needed to answer phones, greet the public, accept and key in permits, schedule inspections, order supplies, process and review business and alcohol licenses and process excise taxes. The position would have a salary of $32,951 with benefits valued at approximately $19,049.
Commissioners are also expected to vote on an amendment to the planning and development budget of $55,000 that would allow the hiring of a building inspector. The proposed salary would be $36,558.00.
A third personnel issue is the proposal to increase the annual compensation for the county clerk position from $5,000 to $10,000. Historically the County Clerk position has been a full-time position, but since 2012, it has been combined with other full-time positions. The recent salary study recommended a minimum salary of $38,962 for a full-time County Clerk position. The current part-time pay is $5,000 annually.
Commissioners will also hear a couple of presentations Betty Ann Bagley will give a presentation regarding services provided by the Senior Center. Frank Riley’s presentation on the Georgia Resource Conservation and Development.
A second public hearing will be held on the annual adoption of the proposed 2017 land use map.
An application by the Extension Office for permission to hold a parade and assembly in the parking lot of the courthouse for the purpose of administering rabies shots to family pets will also require Board approval. The pets will not be loose on the grounds. The shots are administered while pets stay in the vehicle. If approved, the event will be held on Saturday, 4/22/17 from 10am to 1pm.
Little Lending Libraries Coming Soon to Dawson Co.
News February 24, 2017
DAWSONILLE, Ga. — Look for Little Lending Libraries to open all across Dawson County soon.
Family Connection Coordinator Nancy Stites presented the idea to the Dawson County Board of Commissioners Thursday during a 4 p.m. work session and commissioners, who greeted the idea with enthusiasm/ They will vote on it at the next regular meeting.
Stites said Family Connection is asking non-profits , civic clubs and other organizations to sponsor a little lending library by paying to build a small structure and keep it stocked with books that can be borrowed at no cost. Borrowers would return the book at some point and hopefully bring another book or two to replace it.
Stites said the goal is to provide easy access to free books and hope that these little libraries will inspire reading! She added that Family Connection has been promoting the importance of early learning and grade-level reading by 3rd grade.
She said her organization recently joined the Chamber of Commerce Community Development Committee in promoting reading of all ages by having small lending libraries throughout the community.
Several other organizations have shown an interest in placing a little lending library on county government property, including Dawson County Public Health Office, Kiwanis Club, Veteran’s Park, WEE Books at War Hill Park and the Rotary Club at Rock Creek Park.
County Employees Health Insurance Cost Increases
News June 2, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to increase by five percent the amount county employees will contribute to their own health insurance plan with Northwest Benefit Corporation.
In the past, the county has paid 85 percent of the cost while employees paid the remaining 15 percent. The plan approved Thursday calls for an 80-20 split.
Commissioners said it was a very difficult decision, but as Commissioner Sharon Fausett put it, “The cost of health insurance is out of control. We need to be fiscally responsible. I don’t want employees to think we take them lightly because we don’t. I appreciate what you do but we have some very difficult decisions to make.”
Commissioner Jimmy Hamby said, “I do understand the cost coming to the county as well as the employees. But we can’t go to the taxpayers every time we need to increase something in the county.”
Commissioner Chris Gaines said, “Experts say the average split is 75-25 so we’re still well beyond what some surrounding counties are doing both in the public and private sector.”
The total cost to the county is just over $3.7 million, an increase of about $527,386 over last year.
Commissioners voted unanimously to allow Ross & Associates to proceed with an update of the 2009 Methodology Report for the Impact Fee implementation. The county contracted with Ross & Associates to create the report in 2002. It was updated in 2006 and again in 2009. The fees were collected through building permits and construction orders. However, impact fees have not been imposed since then.
Once the update is completed, it will come back to the board for final approval.
Commissioners also agreed to accept a $2,063 grant that will allow Director of Treatment Services for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit Debbie Mott to purchase computers, monitors, scanners, printers iPads and laptops for her office. There is no county match required. Georgia Accountability Court Funding Committee was created in 2012 and has provided local courts with critical funding necessary to support the growth of accountability courts in Georgia to reduce the prison population.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
BOC Hears Request for New Staffer in Planning Dept.
News April 14, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – With a 41 percent increase in traffic in the last year and a 32 percent increase in revenue since the workload in the Dawson County Planning and Development Department is outpacing its staff.
“I have folks coming in early and staying late and the touch part is I have to comp that these folks back with time off and leaving early since there is no money in the budget for overtime,” Streetman said.
“I want to make it clear that this would not be my personal administrative assistant. This person would answer phones, greet customers, process building permits and business licenses, schedule inspections, process special event requests, respond to citizens’ concerns and coordinate planning commission meetings.”
Streetman also asked permission for the Extension Office to host a rabies clinic in the courthouse parking lot on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Rabies shots would be administered for $10 each and pets would remain in the owners’ vehicles throughout the process.
The County Clerk position was a full-time position until 2012 when a tight budget limited the position to part-time. Since then the part-time pay for the position has been $5,000 annually. The recent salary study showed a recommended pay range of $38,962 to $60,392 for a full-time county clerk. Commissioners discussed keeping the position part-time and raising the salary from $5,000 to $10,000.
Commissioners are expected to vote on these items at the regular meeting next Thursday.
Commissioners Vote on Budget Amendment Thursday
News April 5, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will vote on a $374,440.42 increase in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget to accommodate the county employee pay raise approved last month when they meet Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Dawson County Government Center Assembly Room.
County commissioners say the salary increase was necessary to avoid the high cost of training new employees who replace those who leave for higher-paying jobs elsewhere.
Hibbymo Properties – Nix Bridge, will ask the Board to approve a variance request to increase the maximum square footage of a proposed Dollar General store it plans to construct and to decrease the minimum amount of parking required. The location is 970 Harmony Church Road near the intersection of Nix Bridge Road. That request was denied by the Planning Commission on Feb. 21.
Commissioners are expected to vote on new members of the Long-Range Planning Committee, including Gary Pichon (Chairman), Ronnie Adkins, Teri Tragresser, Jane Graves, Hugh Stowers, Jo Brewer, Tim Costley, Mandy Power and Dick Scharf. They will also vote to fill a vacant spot on the Planning Commission.
Other items the Board will consider include:
⦁ A request to dispose of surplus assets from Public Works;
⦁ Revision of the county’s Take Home & Vehicle Policy;
⦁ Purchase of a Bobcat Compact Excavator for Public Works and
⦁ An update of the Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan.
City Council to Decide on Request to Relax Noise and Light Restrictions at Atlanta Motorsports Park
News April 2, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawsonville City Council will meet Monday, Apil 3 at 5 p.m. in the G.L. “Pete” Gilleland Council Chambers at City Hall, 415 Highway 53 East. Among the items council will decide is an amendment to zoning conditions that would relax noise and light restrictions on Atlanta Mororsports Park at 80 Joe Lane Cox Road.
Council will hold a public hearing to allow citizens to express their support or opposition.
The issue prompted the Dawson County Board of Commissioners to write a letter to city government expressing its opposition. Commissioners acknowledge they have no jurisdiction in the matter, but requested the city to take into consideration the opposition of county residents who live near the facility.
- Items to be voted on under New Business, include
- Appointment of a member to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission;
- A proposed change to the alcohol ordinance
- Setting a deadline for submitting agenda items and support documents;
- Acceptance of bids for water meters;
- Acceptance of bids for water system improvements/well development;
- Renewal of the lease agreement with the house located at 224 Flat Creek Drive;
- A resolution proclaiming April 23-29 as Georgia Cities Week;
- A special event permit to serve alcohol at the Bowen Arts Center.
Council will then hear staff reports from the City Manager Bob Bolz, City Clerk Bonnie Warne and Utilities Director Gary Barr.
County Commission Work Session Scheduled Thursday
News March 21, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will have a very full agenda for Thursday’s Work Session, which is set to begin at 4 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room.
Work sessions are held every two weeks for the purpose of allowing commissioners to discuss and debate issues that can be voted on during the regular sessions which are also held every two weeks.
Issues to be discussed Thursday include:
⦁ A proposal to amend the 2017 budget to accommodate the 2 percent across-the-board pay raise approved by the Board earlier this month;
⦁ A vehicle and take home policy for county employees who are assigned county vehicles;
⦁ A request issue a purchase order to Bobcat of Atlanta in the amount of $64,876.48 for the purchase of a Bobcat Compact Excavator for the Public Works Department’
⦁ A contract with Lux Mitigation and Planning Corp to facilitate the completion of the update of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan;
⦁ A proposal by LifeLink National Donate Life, to declare April as LifeLink Month;
⦁ A proposal by the Fleet Department to dispose of surplus vehicles and equipment that have been turned into the Fleet Department for disposal due to receiving new vehicles or equipment. Proceeds of the sale would be placed in a vehicle replacement fund;
⦁ Appointment of members to the Long-Range Planning Committee and the Planning Commission
Commissioners Authorize GDOT Letter of Support
Business, News March 17, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) could begin work immediately on access controls where Ga. Hwy. 400 intersects with Kilough Church Road and the North Georgia Premium Outlets after Dawson County Commissioners voted last night to authorize a letter of support for the project.
The Right In Right Out Left In (RIROLI) access controls will be fully funded by GDOT and should cause minimal inconvenience to motorists since the work will all be done within the existing Right of Way.
Commissioners Sharon Fausett and Chris Gaines missed last night’s meeting while attending training. Their absence required Chairman Billy Thurmond, who usually votes only in the case of ties, to vote on all issues.
The three-person Board voted unanimously to apply for a GDOT grant to fund the repair of a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road along Blacks Mill Creek damaged in last year’s storm.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a side arm mower and utility tractor mower to replace three tractors that are no longer serviceable at a cost of $210,000. The equipment will be purchased with SPLOST VI proceeds.
In addition, commissioners approved a Drug Treatment Services request to apply for a state grant in the amount of $279,514 to bring HELP Program under Treatment Court as a mental health court track. A county match of $31,057 is required from county funds.
The Board also agreed to renew an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Dawsonville authorizing the county to organize and implement all municipal elections and another IGA with with Etowah Water and Sewer Authority regarding the Taffer Road Gravity Sewer Line.
Commissioners authorized two resolutions to be sent to the City of Dawsonville, one expressing opposition to the city’s purchase of the airport located in Dawson County and it’s future operations and another expressing opposition to a request by Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) to relax noise and light restrictions.
During the Public Comments period, Jonathan Wolfe asked commissioners to revisit the Paladin Wireless issue. Paladin is a Royston-based wireless internet provider that has proposed placing antennas on the roof of the courthouse. The company said that by doing so it can provide internet access to 400 customers who do not have access.
But commissioners tabled the issue last month to give the company time to provide additional information they requested and Chairman Billy Thurmond said the company has not yet responded.
District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Hamby expressed real concerns about liability issues and whether county taxpayers would be responsible to pay for any damage to the roof or injuries to Paladin personnel who have access to the roof.
Hugh Stowers spoke to the Board about improving communications with its citizens. Mr. Stowers pointed out there are some major projects on the horizon and that citizens need to be fully informed.
Commissioners to Vote on Ga. 400 Access Controls
News March 16, 2017DAWSONVILLE, 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.
GDOT Seeks Letter of Support from Commissioners
Business March 10, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Intersection work to be performed and funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation along Ga. Hwy 400 took center stage at Thursday’s Dawson County Board of Commissioners work session.
Dawson County Public Works Director David McKee told commissioners that GDOT is requesting a letter of support for installation of 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 work is a GDOT project that does not require Board of Commissioners approval, but if commissioners approve the letter of support, McKee said the work would begin right away.
McKee also asked asked the Board to approve a letter to GDOT requesting funds for the repair of a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road and along Blacks Mill Creek damaged by last winter’s storm. GDOT has a Local Maintenance Improvement Education Emergency Economic grant available for emergencies that could cover the damage which is estimated to be about $180,000.
McKee also asked the Board to approve the purchase of one side arm mower and one utility tractor mower for the Public Works Department to replace three pieces of equipment that are no longer serviceable at a cost of $214,000 to be funded by SPLOST VI.
Dawson County Treatment Services plans to bring the HELP Program under Treatment Court in fiscal year 2018 as a mental health court track and Director Debbie Mott asked the Board for permission to request state grant in the amount of $279,514 which would require a county match of $31,057 would be required from county funds.
County Attorney Lynn Frey asked the Board to consider 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.
These issues and others are expected to be voted on at the regular meeting next Thursday.
Commissioners to Discuss Drug Treatment Services Grant at Thursday Work Session
News March 8, 2017DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will consider a request to allow Drug Treatment Services to apply for a state grant in the amount of $279,514 when they meet in a work session Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room.
Treatment Services Director Debbie Mott says in fiscal year 2018, the county plans to bring HELP Program under Treatment Court as a mental health court track and would like to make one 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, to attend the state conference, to employ surveillance officers for home visits and drug screen collection, drug testing and supplies, and a desktop and iPad.
Public Works Director David McKee will ask the Board for a letter of support addressed to the Georgia Department of Transportation to install access controls at the intersections of Kilough Church road and SR 400, and the west side of the intersection of the North Georgia Premium Outlets and Home Depot/Walmart intersection. All improvements will be made within the existing Right of Way, and the work will be completed and fully funded by GDOT or their contractors.
GDOT has a grant available for counties to fund unforeseen emergencies. Last winter’s storm damaged a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road and along Blacks Mill Creek that could qualify for the funding. McKee will ask Board Chairman Billy Thurmond to send a letter to GDOT, requesting the funding. County Staff has acquired engineering quotes and prepared cost estimates for design and construction. The total estimated cost is $180,000.
McKee also will ask the Board for authorization to purchase a side arm mower and utility tractor mower utilizing a state contract to replace two Kubota tractors and a John Deer side arm mower. Total cost for the equipment is $210,000 and, if approved, will be purchased with SPLOST VI proceeds.
County Attorney Lynn Frey will ask the Board to consider 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.