Council transmits capital improvements update, amends ARPA budget lines and approves stormwater design bidding for Woodland Drive

The City of Newnan on July 22 took several planning and budget actions: it moved to transmit an updated capital improvements element, approved amendments to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget lines to accommodate late invoices and additional expenditures, and authorized staff to solicit bids for stormwater improvements on Woodland Drive. City staff explained that the capital improvements element — part of the city’s comprehensive plan covering 2021–2041 — requires an annual update where governments that charge impact fees report projects planned for the next five years. Council agreed to transmit the updated capital improvements element and short‑term work program to the 3‑Rivers Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for review; staff said the transmittal vote will occur on August 12. Council also unanimously approved amendments to the 2024 ARPA budget to create two previously unbudgeted lines: $262,000 for "other improvements" (actual expenses reported at $253,499 for emergency siren system upgrades and city hall improvements) and $904 for professional services (legal fees and conceptual design). Staff said those expenses were not included in the original ARPA appropriation. Separately, council accepted the design recommendations from Columbia Engineering and authorized staff to solicit bids for stormwater improvements on Woodland Drive. Columbia Engineering estimated the project cost at $209,345 and staff said the expense would be covered by SPLOST funding if the project proceeds to construction.