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Henry County approves IGA framework with McDonough on State Route 81 but seeks city funding clarity
Summary
After staff warned GDOT will not fund utility relocations, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement framework committing the county to its $32 million project share and asking the City of McDonough to confirm $7.7 million in SPLOST allocations; staff will continue negotiations to avoid a construction delay.
Henry County commissioners amended and approved an intergovernmental agreement framework with the City of McDonough on Dec. 2 that sets out each party s a project partner on the State Route 81 widening project but leaves certain funding allocations to be finalized with the city.
County staff told the board that GDOT will solicit bids for the State Route 81 Phase 1 widening next month and that GDOT will not contribute to utility relocation costs. Staff reported a recent GDOT estimate of roughly $3.73 million for utility relocation; the city had tentatively agreed to cover up to about $3.29 million but county staff recommended the county be prepared to cover roughly $439,357.38 of the estimate if the city—ouncil did not finalize its share. County staff reiterated that the county already has a $32 million commitment for right-of-way, design and construction. Commissioners were concerned about leaving the project without full municipal commitment because delay would increase construction costs.
After discussion, the board voted to approve an IGA that specifies the county—ommitment ($32,000,000) and the city—ommitment (the $7,700,000 indicated on the city SPLOST list) and authorized staff to continue negotiating exact allocations for utility relocation and construction contributions. County Manager Sherry Matthews said staff will notify the City of McDonough immediately about the board ction and that staff will return to the board with final numbers; if GDOT requires action before the next regular meeting, the manager said she would treat it as an emergency and present an authorization to the board.
Commissioners emphasized the need for enforceable terms in any IGA so the county is not left absorbing unanticipated costs and asked staff to confirm the composition of utility responsibilities (Georgia Power, Snapping Shoals, Henry County Water Authority and the City of McDonough were all listed). The board discussed scheduling a special-call meeting if necessary to finalize an IGA before GDOT's bid letting to avoid a 3–6 month construction delay.
