Paulding County commissioners used part of the meeting to highlight community programs and recognize staff, and to request authorization to file a federal transit grant application.

Community food-drive and shelter: A county presenter said the Paulding County Animal Shelter has partnered with A Buddies Hope to waive adoption fees during August and September for people who bring specified nonperishable food items, including boxed macaroni and cheese, pudding cups and cereal bars. The donated items will support backpack programs at Herschel Jones Middle School and Paulding County High School, the presenter said, to help students have meals on weekends and holidays.

Recognitions: The board recognized Eve Cogsdale, deputy director of the Paulding County Emergency Management Agency, for completing the Georgia Professional Manager Certificate in emergency management. Tim Reeve, area 6 field coordinator with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/Homeland Security), praised Cogsdale’s work and outlined the certificate’s requirements.

The board also presented a public-safety appreciation award to Deputy John Farkas of the Paulding County Marshall Bureau; presenters recounted Farkas’s prior service and training and reviewers applauded his contributions.

Lobby monitor and admin updates: Staff described a new monitor display installed in the administration building lobby (repurposed from the commissioners’ conference room) that will play county social media content, meeting livestreams and election returns during election nights.

Transit grant: Staff requested the board adopt Resolution 2025-30 authorizing submission of an application to the Georgia Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation for assistance under Section 5311 of Title 49 of the U.S. Code (rural transit formula grants). Staff said the application is identical to the prior year’s and would continue funding for county bus and transit services; they described the grant as matching federal and local funds, with the general fund covering any shortfall. Staff noted the transit service operates through the senior center and is available to anyone by scheduling through the senior center.

Outcome and next steps: The transcript records the presentation of Resolution 2025-30 and the request to file the Section 5311 application but does not record a formal vote or its result. The transcript records staff explanations of how to use transit services and the details of the shelter food-drive and recognitions.

Ending: Commissioners applauded staff and encouraged public participation at upcoming public meetings and to make use of county transit services.