[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6262820,"mediaKeyId","3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e","parentId",3110443,"title","Dougherty County commissioners approve contracts, grants and project allocations; Putney Park center gets up-to-$1.8M allocation","audioSeconds",4532,"startMs",928000,"endMs",5460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e&start=928&end=5460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e/thumbnail_928000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6262820/Dougherty-County/Georgia/Dougherty-County-commissioners-approve-contracts-grants-and-project-allocations-Putney-Park-center-gets-up-to-18M-allocation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262820-519c95b3f7613e84275b4b4c3896ebeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869420&Signature=O1Y51tEMHBNFvFSjhIDgubkvKK-iHSdt5OIyuDqDubJTkZn5e7nGKHvkriXrvX~x3VCNFaRkgdwVLkqPNsV24JRV42xz6cUWEhEBzUKJShygJ12p4cfEuULbxIiVFZPDAYJUkro6LHXtUrIzxcWytyl2DEEDUStnCpkzEiX5B7~j0TPOhiw6aIBqpt5YFbNzLGZ8UbY2YFyti78NhWnFqgjDrW9oT1zmHanl4nqV0-Dd24Ua7qUOqc01OWU8mrQ0owJwLWfWzMsxPLGe2ncomC3MCEyJ880fXM4HnR87wiwlh1mVlWIwAkfYvQuMBK04TzI6N1xQO972aic2sBugKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dougherty County GA","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","Dougherty County commissioners on April 21 approved a slate of contracts, grant applications and funding transfers, including a contract for landfill parking improvements, mechanical-system replacements at county facilities, a drone purchase for county public safety use and an allocation of up to $1.8 million for the Putney Park Community Center.

The board voted unanimously to accept the lowest responsive bid for landfill parking improvements from Reeves Construction of Albany, Ga., for $268,353.30. County staff said funding is budgeted in the solid waste infrastructure improvement account.

Commissioners also approved quotes to replace air handler units No. 3 and No. 6 and upgrade controls at the Dougherty County Health Department for a combined $146,161.45. One commissioner stated on the record that they were abstaining from that vote; the clerk recorded the final tally as six votes in favor and one abstention.

A separate vote to replace an air-cooled chiller and upgrade controls at the Robert Cross Events Center passed with the same recorded tally: $82,893.08 in combined expenditures and one abstention noted on the record.

The board approved a $28,164.80 purchase of a drone package for Dougherty County Police (DCP) that includes aircraft, pilot training, cloud software and a one-year warranty. Commissioners asked the county attorney to brief the board later about privacy and deployment rules for drones; the attorney agreed to follow up. The drone purchase was passed by unanimous consent.

Other unanimous actions included: acceptance and execution of a judicial alternatives/probation services agreement effective January 2025 on behalf of the Superior Court; approval for juvenile court to apply for a $380,000 Criminal Justice Incentive Grant for Functional Family Therapy (a 100% grant with no local match); nomination and approval of Daniella Patterson to the Floodplain Management Review Board to fill an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2027; and contracting work on the joint Albany–Dougherty County comprehensive plan (Goodwin Mills Cawood, $220,230 total; county share $110,115 budgeted for FY2026).

The board also approved the county’s participation in the joint city–county Safe Streets for All plan (SS4A), authorized a $70,000 transfer from general fund contingency to cover the remainder of the fiscal year for the county’s lobbyist contract, and approved the hotel/motel tax transfer (~$14,000) to the convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for tourism promotion.

On a recommendation from the county’s recreation committee, the commission voted to allocate up to $1,800,000 for the Putney Park Community Center project; commissioners debated language, and the motion carried by recorded count (six in favor, one opposed). The board also approved an amendment to chapter 2-3.5 (Animals and Fowl) of the Dougherty County Code of Ordinances by unanimous vote.

Several votes recorded a formal abstention but otherwise passed by majority or unanimous consent as noted on the record. Where the roll call was not read aloud, the clerk recorded tallies in the minutes.

Votes at a glance (motions, totals and outcomes recorded in the meeting):
- Approve minutes of prior meetings — unanimous (motion passed by consent).
- Landfill parking improvements: Reeves Construction, $268,353.30 — approved (unanimous).
- Health Dept. air handlers and controls: $146,161.45 — approved (6 yes, 1 abstention).
- Robert Cross Events Center chiller + controls: $82,893.08 — approved (6 yes, 1 abstention).
- Drone purchase for DCP (Sky X10 package): $28,164.80 — approved (unanimous).
- Judicial alternatives/probation services agreement (effective Jan 2025) — approved (unanimous).
- Juvenile Court: apply for $380,000 Criminal Justice Incentive Grant (Functional Family Therapy) — approved (unanimous).
- Floodplain Management Review Board appointment: Daniella Patterson (unexpired term to 12/31/2027) — approved (unanimous).
- Comprehensive plan consulting contract (GMC Goodwin Mills Cawood): total $220,230, county share $110,115 — approved (unanimous).
- Joint city–county Safe Streets for All plan (SS4A) — approved (unanimous).
- Transfer $70,000 from general contingency for lobbyist contract — approved (unanimous).
- Hotel/motel tax distribution (~$14,000 to CVB) — approved (unanimous).
- Putney Park Community Center allocation: up to $1,800,000 — approved (6 yes, 1 no).
- Amendment to Code ch. 2-3.5 (animals and fowl) — approved (unanimous).

Board members and staff asked for follow-up documents and legal briefings on a small number of items recorded in the meeting: specifically, (1) the county attorney will report back on legal/privacy issues for drone deployments; (2) staff will provide service and utilization spreadsheets (requested by a commissioner) showing how often new equipment such as drones would be used; and (3) the clerk will file and maintain detailed vote tallies and contract documents in the administrative record.

Commissioners did not adopt any fiscal policy changes beyond the recorded transfers and allocations; several votes carried conditions (budgeted funding, sole-source vendor statements) that were noted on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dougherty County Commission Meeting 4/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dougherty County commissioners on April 21 approved multiple contracts, grants and funding actions — including a $268,353 landfill parking project, HVAC work at county facilities, a $28,164.80 drone purchase for law enforcement and an allocation of up to $1.8 million for the Putney Park Community Center.","taxTitle","Dougherty County, Georgia","taxId",5822,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6262804,"Dougherty County Public Works outlines 2024 accomplishments: 45 miles resurfaced, 900 miles of mosquito spray and park activity",802,3380000,4182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e&start=3380&end=4182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e/thumbnail_3380000.jpg","/articles/6262804/Dougherty-County/Georgia/Dougherty-County-Public-Works-outlines-2024-accomplishments-45-miles-resurfaced-900-miles-of-mosquito-spray-and-park-activity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262804-c356855abd60fcc1fcea93be640ed3e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869420&Signature=fUkVMH-FiezlaEwINzB9Ux80lI9IsI~0UuO-c4q65bWSQCvgaxMP0CfSMGamV1MHrpg-VwlyD-dRM1Xl8XJGLf~wMRqC28ZnKkojxrQqpUaiOcXXQCiiaTS6P1XvosI~fY-cI5SXcuW26j7krWE1htoiG5qdxB4oID7OAB5z77rKFq7pyHopZBw3gLxVPp-VZGW3Zcdk-ud6gyMeO53QxjlDG9PQ9s928NQDSP6xrPsyEXC8aqstMFLaqXCa9UUk4weDh54SuTQDrEaAKorRZCYhplH2vXSLh01gln8J2v~xlxf3jTEsLRN7QAVzBn6CqkhdkLLataUawrfEQq~y4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works Director Chuck Mathis presented the Dougherty County Public Works 2024 annual report to the commission on April 21, describing divisional accomplishments in engineering, drainage, fleet maintenance, road work and parks.

Mathis said the engineering division managed 45 miles of road resurfacing under the LMA 2223 program, reviewed six new construction projects, inspected more than 9,500 linear feet of storm drains for MS4 compliance, completed the phase 3 alley paving improvement project and processed 15 new driveway permits and 45 erosion-and-sediment (E&S) inspections.

The environmental control division reported work on vegetation and mosquito control: staff sprayed and maintained more than 900 miles of roads and completed five rounds of mosquito spraying countywide. The drainage division cleaned out about 20 canals (approximately 12 miles) and hauled about 4,000 tons of waste material, Mathis said.

Fleet maintenance completed more than 2,300 work orders in 2024, made 256 service calls and dispensed roughly 15,758 gallons of diesel and 2,067 gallons of gasoline to county vehicles and equipment. Road maintenance and parks teams handled deep patching, shoulder rebuilding, signage projects and multiple events at county parks.

Mathis highlighted Robert Cross Park, which the report said hosted more than 80 events in 2024, and Radium Springs Gardens, where the parks division ran fishing rodeos and holiday lighting events. Commissioners praised the department’s responsiveness and asked for additional detail on the economics of event-rental operations (fees versus operating/cleanup costs) and for continued coordination with the city on events such as the fishing rodeo.

Commissioners also discussed collaborators and volunteer support, including the Master Gardener program and partnerships with the city for shared events. Mathis and commissioners thanked staff and recognized employee awards in the presentation.

Action: Informational; commissioners requested follow-up on facility rental economics and confirmed continued intergovernmental collaboration on community events.

Why it matters: The Public Works report documents maintenance and capital activity that affect road conditions, stormwater systems, parks and county-owned facilities. Requesting rental-economics information is aimed at ensuring event spaces operate sustainably.

Quote: \"Our mission is to provide world-class cost-effective and efficient services to all our customers,\" Mathis said in the presentation.","Public Works Director Chuck Mathis presented the department’s 2024 annual report, detailing road resurfacing, drainage cleanouts, fleet maintenance outputs and park program activity; commissioners praised staff and requested rental-economics data for county event facilities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6262809,"Dougherty County Extension reports growth in 4‑H, new Master Gardeners and nutrition outreach",371,2735000,3106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e&start=2735&end=3106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e/thumbnail_2735000.jpg","/articles/6262809/Dougherty-County/Georgia/Dougherty-County-Extension-reports-growth-in-4H-new-Master-Gardeners-and-nutrition-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262809-028bef5453750f44367df2ae7d06d2f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869420&Signature=LTPtt54lStCUKn-L9gp1L86e1KXsLWt7XV5ElNCP0Qq7INQdB~y7H89FJv1lgEDZdkICjCDfkiGJ8hQBF-1QylFz-Nh1eEe-1V159RctZ21aDKbwuVDH~xgtztSCnnl1I71I9nZ8eg1lwgN9BtT22W0ANLNODh~Tt5ZBLtH32Lx1BbGSsS~KQKN3UASc4xrf70Bgpm8GrC3Xcrlt3rpiRaHDnyWkL8X2bphMXlw2c8~P8l2l2Opj~hrwQ9r5-sCvPFQQmWdEYRnGwSBc0mZ8lurdCG2BsP2zwRx8CVrX2pva2~CvTHu5wvwIqRstgIDHQw57JUoxD7jxVWC0h6cmkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Margaret Holbrook, interim county extension coordinator, presented the quarterly report to Dougherty County commissioners on April 21, highlighting growth in 4‑H, agricultural outreach and family-nutrition programming.

Holbrook said the county’s delegation to the Project Achievement competition showed measurable growth and that the program will use a $1,000 grant for special agricultural education including a hydroponic garden for instructional purposes. She noted that one high school student entered a competitive report and that the 4‑H program continues to emphasize public speaking and research skills.

Vivek Bist, the county agriculture and natural resources agent (referenced in the packet), led a pecan producers meeting that grew from about 75 attendees last year to roughly 100 this year, Holbrook said. The office also completed training for 11 new Master Gardener volunteers, adding to an existing corps (Holbrook said the county previously had 20 certified Master Gardeners, so the addition brings the group to roughly 31 volunteers).

Holbrook highlighted Family and Consumer Sciences and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): staff have partnered with the county human-resources office to offer health and wellness classes, including cooking demonstrations, for county employees. She also reported that Rebecca Banville completed ServSafe certification and has since trained four restaurant managers; Holbrook said Banville will continue to schedule regular ServSafe sessions.

Holbrook closed by noting partnerships with Turner Job Corps and Chamberlain House and asked commissioners to contact county staff if they want more detail. Commissioners praised the work and asked a couple of clarifying questions about Master Gardener credentials; Holbrook explained the certification requires roughly 50 hours of class work, a written test and volunteer hours to complete accreditation.

Action: No vote was required. Commissioners asked staff to pass praise to program staff and to provide any follow-up information requested.

Why it matters: Extension programming supports youth leadership, agriculture and nutrition education; the Master Gardener expansion strengthens volunteer capacity for community gardening assistance.

Quote: \"These children all presented speeches about topics that are interesting to them,\" Holbrook said of Project Achievement participants.","Interim Extension coordinator Margaret Holbrook updated the commission on Project Achievement competition growth, a $1,000 grant for ag education including a hydroponic project, expansion of Master Gardeners by 11 volunteers and nutrition and ServSafe training for local restaurant managers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6262814,"Mary Alice Shipp nonprofit asks Dougherty County for startup support for youth entrepreneurs program",950,999000,1949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e&start=999&end=1949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110443-843e396d1b77d61f5a711f8a566ccf1e/thumbnail_999000.jpg","/articles/6262814/Dougherty-County/Georgia/Mary-Alice-Shipp-nonprofit-asks-Dougherty-County-for-startup-support-for-youth-entrepreneurs-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262814-babaa3e2d8a9ef88eba51a4a1a2fbc3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869420&Signature=UX2Ywt06FQPvBF-~tnTXwo32VP4oCyoRUikcu1YwVqPheNEQelHq27AlAtPTBe6mCHgmdLHqIGuTgL3g-SZz6SaZXWpobx9klxPhfCOE4Jga3IG3hoCqABusKkLKc-3UzZ24h6VKXJiRu21NSiSMxZAp8fB2pVM-KGViAN7o3juB5t2QCBxhWd6qZenvgh-Vz~v2QkAI6RMXiQ4VZh9YZ0WRkL4cJU6G~yhrko7Q7cy~TvgAfgXeJ1-cpzh4U4PwMLGWaCeApdHq~fR1VM58gY1on8y~KjRFZxvY2wA1Uh7R0ivTjA0nQxjAJPjrkYF1f-2U3SduQH3bQR0KPV2pdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fidelity Griffin, director of the Mary Alice Shipp Community Development Corporation, asked Dougherty County commissioners on April 21 for startup assistance to support an expanded Young Entrepreneurs Society (Y.E.S.) program in Albany.

Griffin said the organization has acquired a building (the Greater Grace Building, formerly a daycare) and plans a multiroom program for youth and young adults aged 12 to 24 that will combine academics, job-readiness training and business experience. \"We have an academic center, a craft room, a retail center and a business center,\" Griffin told the commission. She said students would work in duplicate businesses, earn stipends, and learn both job and business skills.

Griffin told commissioners the program began in February 2009 and that prior implementations in other cities saw positive outcomes. She estimated that an online business component could generate about $250,000 a year and that small retail enterprises might begin at roughly $35,000–$40,000 annually; she said those estimates would support stipends for participating youth. Griffin asked the commission for start-up money but did not state a specific dollar amount during the presentation.

Commissioners praised the program’s goals but emphasized the need for an accountable application process. Commissioner Greg said there is a clear education gap and that county support should be subject to a vetted grant process. Vice Chair Jones offered to share materials from a prior Kauffman Foundation–supported program (the Y.E.S. Mini Society) and asked the clerk to circulate relevant information to Griffin.

Griffin identified organizational leadership: Nathaniel Newton (chair), Frederick Muhammad (secretary) and Alice Laurier (role not specified in meeting remarks). She said the group has letters of support from Sylvester’s mayor and from program alumni, and she invited commissioners to follow up after they had time to review the materials provided by her staff.

Action taken: Commissioners did not vote to provide funding at the meeting. The board accepted Griffin’s presentation and asked staff and the clerk to distribute the submitted package for review; commissioners said they would return the request to the board for consideration after review and possible questions.

Why it matters: Commissioners said programs that pair business skills with academic supports can reduce youth involvement in crime and improve job readiness. Several commissioners encouraged Griffin to pursue external funding partners and suggested that the county consider creating a formal grant-application process with vetting, reporting and impact measures for future funding requests.

What’s next: The clerk will distribute Griffin’s materials to commissioners and staff; Griffin and commissioners agreed to follow up individually to discuss potential partnerships with foundations and training partners.

Quote: \"We show them how you could turn your hustle into a reality,\" Griffin said of the program’s approach to financial and employment training.

No formal vote or appropriation was made at the meeting.","Mary Alice Shipp Community Development Corporation director Fidelity Griffin described a youth entrepreneurs program serving ages 12–24, sought startup funding and outlined revenue and program components; commissioners asked staff to review materials and suggested grant/partnership options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Dougherty County commissioners approve contracts, grants and project allocations; Putney Park center gets up-to-$1.8M allocation

Dougherty County Public Works outlines 2024 accomplishments: 45 miles resurfaced, 900 miles of mosquito spray and park activity

Dougherty County Extension reports growth in 4‑H, new Master Gardeners and nutrition outreach

Mary Alice Shipp nonprofit asks Dougherty County for startup support for youth entrepreneurs program