Work session: county manager briefs board on audit, infrastructure projects and HB 581 'FLOST' discussion

During the Oct. 28 work session of the Unified Government of Cusseta–Chattahoochee County, County Manager Thomas Weaver gave several operational updates and briefed commissioners on HB 581 and its local sales-tax implications.

Operational updates: Weaver said the county’s Paychex payroll system is live and fiber installation across the county is ongoing, with crews repairing any water-line hits as they occur. Public works reported that the motor grader and other equipment have been repaired, radio-building slab work is in place and new radios were distributed to crews. The county reported a rabies clinic that vaccinated and microchipped more than 100 dogs and cats.

Audit and budget: Weaver said the annual audit with David McCoy raised issues that prompted a review of prior audits before finalizing the current audit. He reported departments are generally on track fiscally and said staff will present a midpoint budget update early next year.

HB 581 and FLOST: Weaver and attendee Alan Horniday described HB 581 (referred to in the meeting as “FLOST”) as creating an opt-in sales-tax framework with three selectable buckets (education, transportation and a “freeze” option tied to 2024 taxable values) that requires referendum and county opt-in; Weaver and commissioners said it could be an opportunity to benefit homesteaded properties but would require further analysis and voter approval.

Other items: Samantha Hedgecoke (community development) reported scheduled public hearings for conditional-use permits (proposed Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. for 105 Mustang Dr. and 454 Old Louvale Rd.), and department staff described road, dock and public-works repairs around the county.

No formal votes were taken at the work session; items will return to future agendas as needed.