Board issues 30‑day termination to county state‑aid engineer, moves to assign IMS engineer

Clayton County supervisors voted on a 30‑day termination notice Monday for the county’s state‑aid engineer and discussed assigning IMS Engineering to perform county engineering duties. The board approved a motion to issue a termination notice effective 08/04/2025 and to begin the 30‑day notice period that will end 09/04/2025. The motion, introduced by Supervisor Chandler and seconded by Supervisor Odom, also opened discussion on appointing Tony Avent of IMS Engineering to fill state‑aid engineering duties after the notice period. Board members cited concerns about state aid funds that were at risk because of limited project activity. Supervisor Chandler said some state aid allocations had been rescinded when funds were not actively used and that the county needed an engineer who could move projects forward so money would not be pooled and reallocated. The board first considered a broader termination motion then rescinded and reintroduced a targeted 30‑day termination; the recorded vote carried. The board directed staff to issue the notice and to return with formal hiring documentation if the board elects to appoint IMS Engineering after the 30‑day period. Why it matters: state‑aid engineers administer projects that allow counties to spend state transportation funds. The board said its decision was driven by an effort to keep state funds active for road projects and to avoid rescission of allocations. What’s next: staff will issue the 30‑day notice immediately and prepare necessary contracting or procurement steps to bring IMS Engineering on board if the board approves after the notice period.