Board approves $14,000 appraisal funding for mental‑health site and finalizes FY26 local assistance grants with amendments

The board approved Budget Amendment 4-5, a $14,000 allocation of prior SPLOST funds to pay appraisals and quiet-title work for land-bank property associated with a proposed behavioral health crisis facility. County staff and the deputy COO clarified the amendment pays appraisal invoices the county had already authorized; it does not itself obligate the county to purchase property or construct a facility.

During discussion, Attorney Reed and county staff outlined that the state has requested county cooperation in identifying land for a state-operated behavioral health facility and that the county lacks construction funds for a facility. The DCOO said, "What this budget amendment simply does is this board authorized me to go order appraisals on property… That's all this does is pay the appraisers," emphasizing the narrow scope of the vote.

Separately, the board considered FY26 local assistance grant awards recommended by staff and the Clayton Collaborative. Commissioners proposed and debated three amendments reallocating funds among nonprofit applicants to increase eviction‑mediation funding and to shift awards to community partners. The board ultimately voted to adopt the grants list with Commissioner Allen’s amendment (amendment 2), which adjusted award amounts across several organizations (details recorded in the agenda packet and the amendments presented during the meeting).

Clerks and staff will process the appraisal invoices and implement the grant funding adjustments approved by the board.