Henry County commissioners approved several non-transportation items Tuesday that affect parks, workforce development and county programs.

Parks and Recreation staff presented a purchase of Matrix fitness equipment and ecore sports flooring for JP Moseley Recreation Center (1041 Millers Mill Road, Stockbridge) for $117,697.59 via Omnia contracts; the board approved the resolution. Donna Holder, deputy director of Henry County Parks and Recreation, also presented a proposal to prepay Georgia Power $250,000 to upgrade sports lighting at Richard Craig Park and enter a monthly service agreement of $15,327.50; commissioners approved the lighting upgrade and discussed impact-fee invoices that staff said have been sent to the City of McDonough but not yet received.

Human Resources presented an MOU with Clark Atlanta University to create internship placements and professional development coordination; commissioners endorsed the pipeline, praised the collaboration with Clark Atlanta and asked staff to keep other institutions (Morris Brown, Southern Crescent Technical College) engaged; motion to approve carried.

Parks staff described therapeutic recreation programs (summer camp, Sunshine League, wheelchair football and Special Olympics participation) and sought approval for an MOU with Briggs & Associates to establish a Special Needs Employment Program. Briggs will recruit and train staff at no cost to the county; the countywould provide positions and supervision. Commissioners expressed strong support for expanding inclusive employment and approved the partnership.

The Henry County Police Department also asked to accept a donated K-9 ballistic vest valued at $3,836 from Georgia Piedmont Region Canine Search and Rescue in memory of William M. Hillsman; the board approved acceptance.

The votes collectively support expanded parks services, inclusive employment opportunities and a new internship pipeline with a local university. Staff were directed to coordinate project timelines and confirm outstanding impact-fee reconciliations with municipal partners.