Commission allocates SPLOST funds for emergency operations center upgrades and jail repairs

Lincoln County commissioners approved two SPLOST-funded capital expenditures: up to $23,000 for upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and up to $60,000 for initial jail infrastructure improvements.

Public works Director Seymour told the board the EOC needs audio, video and conferencing upgrades and submitted a budget and schematic. The board authorized spending from SPLOST 7 tier 2 up to $23,000 for the EOC capital-improvement project. Commissioner Clyde, who visited the facility, said the upgrades are needed and supported the motion.

Separately, the board authorized up to $60,000 from SPLOST 7 tier 1 to fund phase 1 of jail capital improvements, focusing on kitchen infrastructure and drainage work. Director Seymour said the $60,000 figure was increased from an earlier $40,000 estimate to cover potential additional needs; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: County officials said the EOC upgrades will expand AV capacity (from two displays to six) and improve the county's capacity to host trainings and incident response coordination. Jail work addresses operational and safety needs; the board previously approved other jail-related capital work (locks and related projects) and indicated the commission has authorized approximately $140,000 in recent months for jail improvements when combined with prior approvals.

Implementation and next steps

Directors said the projects were discussed during a prior work session. Public Works will manage the work; the board authorized staff to execute purchases and contracts necessary to complete the EOC and jail phase 1 projects. The commission indicated it will review progress in work sessions and encouraged site visits for interested commissioners.