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Commissioners tentatively set millage above rollback, approve pre‑disaster debris contracts and buy three motor graders
Summary
The Board tentatively adopted an M&O millage rate above the rollback rate as required by state law, approved pre‑disaster standby contracts for storm debris removal and monitoring, and authorized purchase of three motor graders to replace aging fleet equipment.
Bullock County commissioners tentatively adopted a general maintenance and operations millage rate and approved several procurement items intended to strengthen disaster response and road‑maintenance capacity.
County Attorney Jeff Akins presented a resolution to tentatively adopt an M&O millage rate of 11.35 mills; under Georgia law the county must hold three public hearings before finalizing a millage above the rollback rate. The board voted 5–1 to tentatively adopt the rate as presented.
Public Works staff presented a set of pre‑disaster (standing) contracts for storm debris removal and for debris‑monitoring services. Assistant Public Works Director Robert Siemens said staff solicited proposals and recommended two prequalified debris‑removal contractors (Series Environmental Services and Southern Disaster Recovery) and two monitoring firms (Thompson Consulting Services and DebrisTech). Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the contracts as pre‑disaster standbys; Siemens emphasized that activation of these contracts will require a separate action by the county manager or the board when a qualifying event occurs.
Public Works Director Dink Butler requested and the board approved the purchase of three Caterpillar motor graders from Yancey Cat to replace older out-of‑warranty equipment. Butler explained the county’s experience that Caterpillar machines and local dealer support reduced downtime and long‑term maintenance costs; the board approved the purchase unanimously and authorized trading four older graders to offset cost.
The board also deferred two budget/contract items pending further detail and approved administrative items on the consent agenda. Commissioners and staff said the pre‑disaster contracts and additional grader capacity intend to improve speed and quality of storm cleanup and road operations and to increase federal reimbursement accuracy for debris removal after major storms.
