Commissioners approve DA travel budget amendment and place multiple infrastructure and facilities items on consent

At its Nov. 25 meeting the Elk County Board of Commissioners approved a $16,900 FY26 budget amendment to cover out-of-state witness travel related to an upcoming trial and reviewed a slate of consent items and project recommendations covering sewer capacity, pump-station upgrades, facility repairs and contract reconciliations.

Melissa (county staff) said the district attorney requested the funding for out-of-state witness travel, including flights, lodging, meals and mileage for a trial scheduled to begin in December; the board approved the requested $16,900 by voice vote after a motion and second.

On project items placed for consent and review:

• Real estate agreement, 1621 Daniels Bridge Road: Staff reported title and judgment issues delaying a closing originally set for Dec. 5. The seller requested additional time; staff prepared an extension to mid-January with the seller's signature and recommended placing the item on consent.

• Eastridge/Barber Creek sewer collector upgrade: Adam (public works/engineering) recommended awarding the construction contract to Matthews Development Corporation. The work replaces roughly 2,100 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line with 12-inch pipe to increase capacity (projected capacity 1,100,000 gallons/day). The recommended bid total is $658,923.50; the presentation stated $250,000 of that will be a contribution (not further specified in the meeting). Staff said the request includes necessary budget movements for the life of the project.

• LAS decommissioning: Staff outlined a two-component decommissioning plan (OVP pump-station upgrade to temporarily receive flows and on-site demolition of the LAS facility, including pond dewatering and removal of above-grade equipment). Staff recommended discussion and consideration of the pump-station contract on Dec. 2, 2025, and of on-site demolition at the Jan. 6, 2026 POC meeting.

• OVP irrigation pump-station replacement: Staff reported a revised quote increased the project by $49,950, bringing the requested total funding to $327,450 for the life of the project; the increase was attributed primarily to building-material costs and necessary HVAC/heater additions for the pump-house structure.

• Heritage Park Central Schoolhouse rehabilitation: Staff recommended funding a rehabilitation design proposal from Historic Sloss for $88,015 to produce designs that balance historic character with usable, rentable space.

• OVP gym floor replacement: Staff recommended replacement at $232,000 using SPLOST 2021 funds, including demolition and full installation after the basketball season.

• Snows Mill Road at Lane Creek Road roundabout — final contract modification: Public Works reported actual quantities of concrete and GAB exceeded estimates due to an unmarked utility and unsuitable soils. The contract modification would raise the contract to $513,056.09 (from $457,841) — an increase of $55,215.09 — and requires a FY26 budget amendment; Public Works recommended approval and funding through SPLOST.

• Cell tower lease extension: The board previously approved lease options in 2023 for sites at Oconee Veterans Park and Butler's Crossing. Butler's Crossing tower has been constructed; Prime Tower requested more time to finalize an OVP lease option and perform borings and engineering; staff recommended extending the option and placing the extension on consent.

Most of these items were presented as consent agenda items or scheduled for future board consideration; the meeting record shows the DA amendment was immediately approved by voice vote. Several project items included specific dollar amounts and proposed schedule dates for later votes or contract awards.