Commissioners award roundabout construction contract, hear FY26 Q1 financial update and outline SPLOST 27 proposal
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Summary
The board awarded a construction contract for the Cullum Ferry/Astondale roundabout to the lowest responsive bidder, heard the first‑quarter FY26 financial report showing steady sales‑tax growth, and reviewed a preliminary SPLOST 27 referendum package and schedule targeting a May 2026 election.
On Nov. 4 the Oconee County Board of Commissioners took several fiscal and infrastructure actions: awarding a bid for a roundabout, receiving the first‑quarter FY26 financial update, and outlining a preliminary SPLOST 27 referendum package and timeline.
Public Works recommended awarding ITB 2609‑005 for construction of a roundabout at Cullum Ferry Road and Astondale Road to the lowest responsive bidder, CMC, Inc., with a bid of $636,530. Public Works proposed a project budget of $724,172.50 (including permitting, testing, geotechnical inspections, right‑of‑way acquisition estimated at $10,000, and a construction contingency). Commissioners approved the contract award and established the budget; staff will return for any required right‑of‑way acquisitions and amendments.
Staff also presented the county’s first‑quarter FY26 financial update (July–September). Highlights included: general‑fund revenues and expenditures at typical first‑quarter levels with some annual contract payments recorded; local option sales tax (LOST) and special‑purpose sales tax (SPLOST/TSPLOST) collections up roughly 5% over the same quarter last year and on target for budgeted revenue; and a water‑resources enterprise fund operating near plan with some capital design activity underway. Finance warned that investment returns and the timing of large capital outlays will be monitored through the year.
Separately, staff previewed a proposed SPLOST 27 referendum package. The administration described a $90.4 million referendum target with a planning baseline of $75 million and proposed allocations including municipal shares, debt payoff for Veterans Park and the administrative building, water‑resources renewal and replacement, farmland preservation, emergency services vehicles and equipment, historic property preservation, county facility repairs and parks refreshes (Herman C. Michael, Bogart Sports Complex, Veterans Park, Heritage Park, Dawson Park), public‑safety radio system upgrades, and sheriff's vehicle replacements. Staff indicated a tentative election date of May 19, 2026, with town halls, municipal IGA discussions in December–January, and a resolution to call the election anticipated in early 2026.
Commissioners approved the roundabout contract and accepted the financial update for the record; they directed staff to continue SPLOST outreach and IGA work ahead of the proposed referendum schedule.
