Dawson County approves road acquisitions, design contracts, transit grant match and ratifies joint defense agreement

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 18 approved multiple contracts and resolutions including funding for Elliott Road property acquisitions, awards of two RFPs for right-of-way and design services, approval of a Federal Transit Administration application contract with a 50% local match, several service contracts and the ratification of a joint defense agreement in pending litigation.

Key approvals included: a resolution authorizing public‑works to proceed with necessary property or property-rights interests for the Elliott Road project with a maximum payment of $40,000; award of RFP 480‑25 on‑call right‑of‑way/land‑acquisition services to Colliers Engineering and Design and THC Incorporated using SPLOST 7 and T SPLOST funds; award of RFP 481‑25 design services for Fire Station 3 and a fueling station to Scroggs and Grizzle at $2,784,000 with a 10% contingency (SPLOST 7); approval of the FY2026 Legacy Link contract; approval of a short-term Georgia Department of Human Services contract with Virta Incorporated covering July–September; and approval of an FY2027 Georgia Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration "section 53 11" application contract in the total amount of $548,950 with a 50% local match of $274,475 to come from the general fund. The board also ratified a joint defense agreement in the Womack v. Dawson County and Hall County matter.

All motions were approved unanimously by the three commissioners present (3–0). The consent agenda — which the board approved as a single item — included: a mutual aid agreement between Dawson and London County for fire and emergency services; a resolution authorizing the director of public works to execute options agreements for right‑of‑way purchases; a memorandum of agreement between Dawson County and the Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District concerning plan reviews; and the Dawson County employee handbook.

Motion details and vote records (selected):

- Elliott Road property/rights resolution: motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Bruce; approved 3–0. Maximum authorized payment $40,000.

- RFP 480‑25 (on‑call ROW/land acquisition services): motion to accept proposals and award contracts to Colliers Engineering and Design and THC Incorporated to utilize submitted hourly rates and to use SPLOST 7 and T SPLOST depending on project; motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Turcotte; approved 3–0.

- RFP 481‑25 (design services, Fire Station 3 and fueling station): motion to award contract to Scroggs and Grizzle in the amount of $2,784,000 with a 10% county contingency using SPLOST 7; motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Bruce; approved 3–0. County manager and chair noted $3,600,000 is budgeted for the project.

- FY2026 Legacy Link contract: motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Bruce; approved 3–0. Staff noted the contract began July 1.

- Georgia Department of Human Services — Virta Incorporated temporary contract (July–September): motion by Commissioner Bruce; second by Commissioner Turquette; approved 3–0.

- FY2027 Georgia Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration "section 53 11" application contract: motion by Commissioner Bruce; second by Commissioner Turcotte; approved 3–0. Total grant application $548,950; local match $274,475 to be provided from the general fund.

- Ratification of joint defense agreement in Womack v. Dawson County and Hall County: motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Bruce; approved 3–0.

Why it matters: these approvals commit county resources (SPLOST, T SPLOST and general fund) to road and public‑safety infrastructure, secure outside technical contractors for right‑of‑way work, preserve continuity of transit and human‑services contracts, and authorize legal coordination in pending litigation. The design contract for Fire Station 3 includes a board‑stated budget cushion and noted contingency; the transit contract requires the county to provide a half‑match.

Procedural notes: most items were presented with staff recommendations and limited discussion; motions were recorded with makers and seconders and carried by unanimous vote of those present. No public commenters registered during the meeting’s public‑comment period.

The board recessed into executive session at the meeting’s close for personnel and potential litigation matters.