[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6361803,"mediaKeyId","2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee","parentId",2169687,"title","Votes at a glance: Meriwether County approves LMIG roads, elections renovation; several routine contracts and agreements cleared","audioSeconds",1100,"startMs",1118000,"endMs",2218000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee&start=1118&end=2218","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee/thumbnail_1118000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6361803/Meriwether-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Meriwether-County-approves-LMIG-roads-elections-renovation-several-routine-contracts-and-agreements-cleared","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361803-6d00b0e6f6c0bd0f0e6258dc579ccd50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152514&Signature=XhqZZ6w0G4ITHbRpDxgF346iH1A8NjOimgEILaVyWcF5smE27dRAFSxdDHaCoOxXjKN0Biz449RXzxbZkecFXAsvhKQY3Jwxw7-MYaCAeKr51DKfVSJs7fZvUKtAMnN3xgAxK7bfuNq0osDFtXzjV7dNSVGFwg00kZTOdmJfSHUdP7zj5h5dk1dGXceLKXFhCdqC0iZX-D1NEXpcAEM4opMwjp06JQrBK3DuDOnVOsXMvLtsSD6yg6F6bq99VZryuYXLDsXGzSVcjIeMlY7WJM7YzQvpmi2Ch7gpUrb90r3MjbBBsEF74kzHP4HO-09qEmJtZpyJ4c~NybU~kNAzOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-29T15:08:33Z","article","At its Jan. 28 meeting, the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners took a series of formal votes on grants, contracts and appointments. Most motions carried by voice vote with the board chair calling for “all in favor” and the motions passing; specific roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance (key actions recorded in meeting minutes):

- LMIG application: The board approved submission of roads for the 2025 LMIG (Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant) program, selecting Melvin Harris Road and Stovall Road for the application. Commissioners voted to sign and submit the application before the program deadline. Staff materials provided to the board showed an FY25 LMIG award to Meriwether County of $830,548.14 and noted a required 30% local match of $249,164.44 (total project value $1,079,712.58); county LRA funds of $517,885.10 were available for consideration to increase total funding to roughly $1,597,597.26 if used.

- Elections office buildout: The board approved a negotiated contract not to exceed $430,000 to complete renovations of the elections office; staff reported a renegotiated bid from Rubio and Sons for $419,915 plus an estimated $10,000 roof repair. The recommended funding source was “SPLAS” (as presented to the board).

- Residential cost/bid approval: The board approved the single bid from Bethesda Appraisal Services LLC not to exceed $40,000 for the residential cost study in the tax assessor’s budget.

- Countywide aerial flight (RFP responses): Staff presented two proposals: Sanborn Geospatial (single flight) and EagleView (proposal covering two flights over a multi‑year period). Chief Appraiser William Harris told the board, “I would recommend Eagle View.” The board voted to request that EagleView present a full demonstration to the board before awarding any contract.

- Re‑advertise commercial revaluation RFP: The board approved re‑advertising the commercial revaluation request for proposals after receiving no acceptable bids on the initial opening.

- Cane Creek bridge project: The board tabled action on the Cane Creek bridge repair, noting CSX had new insurance and documentation requirements; staff requested additional time and the matter was set for consideration at the Feb. 10 meeting.

- ACCG GCIP internship agreements: The board approved ACCG GCIP grant agreements that allow the county to host reimbursable interns (planning & zoning and probate court) and authorized the chairman to sign the agreements.

- Intergovernmental agreement with the City of Manchester: The board approved an IGA under which Manchester will adopt the county’s animal control ordinances and remit fines collected to Meriwether County Animal Control; the chairman was authorized to sign the agreement.

- County administrator contract: The board approved the county administrator employment contract effective Jan. 9, 2025; the contract as presented included a pay grade of S‑12 and a 12‑month non‑compete/solicitation clause within a 30‑mile radius of county administrative offices.

- Appointments: The board approved multiple appointments as presented, including Chuck Bell to the Lake Merritt advisory board (two‑year term, District 1), reappointment of Mike Womack to the zoning board of appeals (three‑year term), and appointment of Alec Martin to the joint development authority (replacing Jerry Lofton). Other routine appointments on the agenda were accepted by voice vote.

What happened in debate: The most extensive discussion centered on the LMIG application and how to allocate limited grant and local match dollars across districts. Commissioners debated whether to concentrate funds to fully rehabilitate select roads (so they would not need work for decades) or to distribute funding among districts for visible repairs. Staff recommended prioritizing the worst‑rated roads by condition and traffic counts; the board approved the staff recommendation to submit Melvin Harris Road and Stovall Road for the LMIG application.

Next steps and implementation risks: Several approvals require follow‑up: procurement (RFP) for road contracts, legal review of the elections renovation contract, and additional documentation from CSX before any Cane Creek bridge work proceeds. The aerial imagery contract was not awarded; the board requested a vendor presentation to inform a later decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOC Meeting 1-28-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Jan. 28 meeting the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners approved LAMIG/LMIG road submissions (Melvin Harris and Stovall), authorized funding for elections office renovations, accepted several bids and agreements, and requested a vendor presentation on countywide aerial imagery.","taxTitle","Meriwether County, Georgia","taxId",73580,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6361807,"Resident tells commissioners contaminated runoff, signage dispute worsen conditions on Crawford Creek Road",219,652000,871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee&start=652&end=871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee/thumbnail_652000.jpg","/articles/6361807/Meriwether-County/Georgia/Resident-tells-commissioners-contaminated-runoff-signage-dispute-worsen-conditions-on-Crawford-Creek-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361807-197932f6bb1801a805467025ac961b5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152514&Signature=foR01gAfl1Wwp5y08hFZ2kaVthboTVGUEhkTfkDdmQQCaCncXmVNu3NDWwsRI~ihLLSirvz7n65E3Cjy~0kCT~2b9eJIEs2xQLswq83ZS7RK2uRf4FYFPUWDlk3mu6mKanBGHYwz67QmXCKkxX~6qEvEjq7x800Oi8jaqth8hjKFBtaN-j549dvlcVxZtIzigvX2vuawBDwtYkfsMNezJQdwBy5KnRd5UuidScIjMyWQWpu50vzyBfRM2WpgBjW5JZa3GVReav4~PygTBIdCymEONDRlnd6W3DZlfV6yhWgpq8bhLY9LsMEOjHdpvoZLts36Q7jd2xYoyjM0yx5UXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cynthia Journey Dunlap told the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28 that a drainage problem tied to Crawford Creek Road has been sending contaminated runoff onto November Lane, damaging private driveways and residents' water supplies.

Dunlap identified herself as living off Crawford Creek Road in Pine Mountain and said she has lived in the area for about 40 years. She told commissioners that county records previously showed the connecting road as county maintained but that “somebody went in those records and changed it” to mark November Lane as private. She said the change was discriminatory and asked the county to remove the “black label” from the November Lane sign.

Dunlap said she has spent her own money to bring gravel onto the road and to repair drain lines because “all that water coming off Crawford Creek Road is coming down contaminated ... and I had to put money out of my pocket to uplift that road.” She also said school buses lack a turnaround and are having difficulty servicing the area.

Why it matters: Road drainage that sends runoff onto private drives can create long‑term damage to property, increase maintenance costs for residents, and raise public‑health questions if well and drainage systems are affected. Records that designate a road as public or private determine which government entity is responsible for maintenance and repair.

Dunlap asked the board to investigate county maintenance records and to restore what she said were earlier county designations. Her comments were given during the public comment period; no formal county action or vote on the road or signage was recorded at the meeting.

Ending: Dunlap said the road problem has persisted for decades and appealed to the board for on‑site inspection and follow‑up; commissioners acknowledged the complaint and indicated staff would review the matter.","A Pine Mountain resident told commissioners the condition of Crawford Creek Road and signage on November Lane are harming residents' water supply and creating safety hazards; she urged the county to correct records and repair the road.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6361811,"NAACP asks Meriwether County commissioners to reconsider DFCS lease removal",124,428000,552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee&start=428&end=552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169687-d600618721d3ff3d8e08431966f495ee/thumbnail_428000.jpg","/articles/6361811/Meriwether-County/Georgia/NAACP-asks-Meriwether-County-commissioners-to-reconsider-DFCS-lease-removal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361811-016f7540bc3c80152b19a59662218a7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152514&Signature=BVHW-X8mnv7OTl~Fe79wtWLerbvwmrp769SWRrlaShXK-dW8Lnt1aNxuWZVJPNygR7AhgeTogdXs5t5fMg5V~LqR8z19J4RECDQ8miTY~9z-vxkSxeVVxU8a~p4j1IDTPgjfGSwmTQjKAUCfvgnzoQOqZyExq3wye9i1MBHkH-hTGH818ve~opzT4qj0eo1666gOtxzsIwWHlSjRghoUKaFmUfL9DyunT2k12vHCDqLBec-ZmGbGMU1ozdsl1Ef~E4wO9H9Ov5jblW~3ue2atwQ4MLLJ0kaPi7t9x2TeRzicV3ebJe2fOvkxeUvpHm~lCiiil5D0csrdMpoFqg70TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. James Clements, speaking for the Meriwether County chapter of the NAACP, urged the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28 to reconsider a decision that he said prevents the Department of Family and Children Services from extending its lease at 17234 Roosevelt Highway.

Clements said the building, constructed in 1996, provides “essential services such as food assistance, child welfare, Medicaid, and, the TANF,” and warned the move would “overlook the impact on indigent, disabled, and impoverished families who rely on these services.” He asked the board to hold a town‑hall meeting so clients who depend on the office can “at least have an opportunity to ... talk to you as the representative for the county.”

Why it matters: The DFCS office provides direct benefits and eligibility services used by low‑income and vulnerable residents. Closing or relocating a local office can create additional travel and financial burdens for people who rely on public assistance and caseworkers for time‑sensitive services.

At the lectern, Clements read a letter he said documented the lease history: he told the board a state representative had told him the lease began in June 2012, ended in 2013, and was renewed from June 2020 to June 2021, after which, he said, DFCS “hasn't been allowed to extend the lease.” He said alternate buildings considered did not meet state requirements and that county staff had previously declined proposals to share space in Meriwether County.

Clements asked the commissioners to “reconsider this decision and explore solutions that allow defect services to remain within Merriweather County,” adding that the county chapter of the NAACP represents “people who sometimes overlook, people who are silent, who sometimes don't feel that they have a voice to speak.”

The board did not take a formal vote or issue a directive during the meeting; the comment appeared during the public comment period. The board has not publicly posted an official timeline or next steps related to the DFCS lease in the meeting record presented to the commission at the Jan. 28 session.

Ending: Clements closed his remarks asking the board to engage directly with service recipients, saying, “At the minimum, have a town hall meeting with the people, especially those recipients, people who rely on these services.”","At the Jan. 28 Meriwether County Board of Commissioners meeting, a representative of the county NAACP urged the board to reconsider terminating the lease for the Department of Family and Children Services office on Roosevelt Highway and requested a town‑hall meeting to hear directly from impacted residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Meriwether County approves LMIG roads, elections renovation; several routine contracts and agreements cleared

Resident tells commissioners contaminated runoff, signage dispute worsen conditions on Crawford Creek Road

NAACP asks Meriwether County commissioners to reconsider DFCS lease removal