Commissioners approve regional technical assistance contract for 2026 comprehensive plan update

Lowndes County commissioners voted to approve a technical-assistance agreement with the regional commission to update the county's 2026 comprehensive plan. County staff said the agreement funds six workshops and a proposed kickoff meeting on Aug. 12, contingent on the contract approval. Mr. Dillard described the item as "just a contract between the regional commission and the board of commissioners to update our 2026 comprehensive plan" and said the kickoff meeting would be Aug. 12 if the contract was approved. Commissioners asked about cost escalation; staff said the agreement "usually been around $30,000." The board approved the contract on a motion and vote; staff said a presentation from Mr. Horton would follow during the kickoff and subsequent workshops. The action authorizes staff to move forward on the contracted technical assistance and schedules the public kickoff meeting. Staff will return with further detail during the planned presentation stated for Aug. 12.