Summary
After reviewing repair and replacement estimates, the council approved wrapping the existing I‑75 billboard with a static banner rather than paying a six‑figure repair or a nearly $400,000 full replacement for the aging LED sign.
Columbia County Tourist Development Council members approved a plan to wrap the existing I‑75 billboard with a static banner instead of investing in a costly LED repair or full replacement.
A staff member described a recommended repair that would replace the sign’s computer drive unit and quoted a cost “A 180 something thousand” dollars to fix that portion of the sign, while a full new LED board would cost “almost $400,000,” according to the presenter. The presenter noted the LED modules are about 10 years old and warned a partial repair might not restore full functionality.
“I personally think it's a waste of money to put that kind of money in the side and then half of it not work when the computer all's up and gone,” the presenter said, urging an alternative. He recommended a static banner wrap for roughly $9,000 that would be readable from the interstate for three to five years and allow rotation of the banner over time.
A motion to wrap the sign was made and seconded; a council member noted similar digital signs in the area (including Gateway College’s electronic board) have been out of service for an extended period, and the council approved the wrap by voice vote.
The presenter said any final design would return to the council for approval. The transcript does not show detailed cost allocation, long‑term maintenance plans or whether the wrap would be funded from the TDC budget, a signage account, or another source.
