Commissioners approve easement abandonment and multiple public works projects in Houston County

The Houston County Board of Commissioners convened on March 18, 2025, to address a series of agenda items, including infrastructure improvements, personnel requests, and service agreements. The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the abandonment of an easement, which was unanimously passed after a brief discussion regarding the original purpose of the easements.

Next, the board reviewed a personnel request from the water department to grant Eric Hester, the treatment plant lead mechanic, a step increase for obtaining his Georgia water laboratory analyst license. This motion was also approved unanimously, with commendations for Hester's initiative in pursuing the certification.

The commissioners then moved on to discuss a service agreement for the Lashley Subdivision Road and drainage improvement project. The board approved an engineering services agreement with Saunders Engineering Consultants for $74,500, funded by the 2018 SPLOST. Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the need for road improvements in the area.

Following this, a motion was made to approve the installation of flashing school zone signs at two locations, which was also unanimously approved. The signs aim to enhance safety for students and will be funded through the traffic signs department budget.

A significant item on the agenda was a service agreement for a feasibility study on county-operated sanitary sewer systems. The board approved a contract for $140,000 with Carter and Sloop to assess the viability of constructing and operating a wastewater treatment plant. This study is intended to explore potential service areas and industry needs for sewer services.

The meeting continued with the approval of bids for various equipment, including a new Ford F-150 for animal control and a tandem dump truck for the Roads and Bridges department, both of which were unanimously approved. Additionally, a paving project for the Houston County Solid Waste Disposal Facility was approved, reflecting the county's commitment to maintaining infrastructure.

A change order for the Houston County Sheriff's Department State Courthouse Renovation Project was also discussed, resulting in a contract decrease of $39,274.53, bringing the total contract amount to $6,383,302.57, which was celebrated as being under budget.

The board concluded the meeting with a motion to approve the payment of bills totaling $3,806,521.65, which was unanimously accepted. An executive session was then called for attorney-client consultation, after which the meeting was adjourned.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commissioners' focus on infrastructure improvements, personnel development, and fiscal responsibility, with all motions passing unanimously, indicating strong consensus among the board members.