TR Long (county engineer/consultant) provided a comprehensive update on road and drainage projects across the county, describing work on Trade Ports West roadway reviews, Stephen(s) Road drainage requiring five right-of-way easements, Islands Highway box culvert permitting, and plans for the Barrington Ferry Crossroads roundabout.

Long discussed progress on Butterblunt Road and a Pecan Land waterline connection issue tied to an unexpected change in how the contractor must tap an existing main. He described engagement with Georgia DOT on several projects and explained contractual retainage and unit-price contract mechanics: the county is holding approximately 10% retainage and pays for completed unit-price work.

On Live Oak Drive Long presented bid results (low bidder JW Oliver) and raised a newly discovered asbestos-concrete line that the city will likely need to help replace to allow the road work to proceed; commissioners discussed value engineering and the possibility of asking the city to share costs. Long recommended staff seek a 30-day price extension from the low bidder while the county coordinates city participation.

The board moved, seconded and approved a renewal contract with TR Long Engineering for county engineering services.