Meeting roundup: commissioners approve easements, funding agreements, appointments and repair contracts

Lowndes County commissioners approved a batch of consent and contract items including an easement sale to the Georgia Department of Transportation, an updated funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, a supplemental easement for an emergency water connection to Moody Air Force Base, and several contract awards.

GDOT offered $2,600 for a 733.73-square-foot permanent easement at 503 West Main Street in Hayhire to maintain slopes for a sidewalk extension project; staff recommended accepting the offer and the board authorized the chairman to sign the right-of-way acknowledgement. The commission also approved an FY2026 joint funding agreement with the USGS to maintain stream gauges on the Little River and the Withlacoochee River.

For Moody Air Force Base, staff presented Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to adjust the previously granted 2023 easement to reflect a shifted water‑main path; commissioners authorized the chairman to sign. The Shiloh Road resurfacing and bridge replacement project required an additional $1.6 million; the TIA office agreed to provide the extra funds and the supplemental agreement was approved. Bids for the Shiloh project were opened; the low responsive bid from The Scruggs Company ($6,000,444.98) was approved and a notice to proceed was issued.

The commission also approved a low bid from Kellerman Construction ($318,030) for repairs to the Lowndes County Civic Center after Hurricane Helene; staff explained that insurance and FEMA coordination will determine final adjustment amounts. Finally, the board appointed Amy Martin as an alternate to the Animal Control Board by acclamation to cover an upcoming recusal.

All items passed with voice votes and no recorded opposition at this meeting.