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Whitfield County accepts 2022 audit, approves ARPA spending, grants and multiple contracts
Summary
At the Aug. 14, 2023 meeting the Whitfield County Board accepted the 2022 audit, approved ARPA-funded expenditures and several contracts and grants including an INFAX signage purchase and applications for 5307 transit funding and a juvenile delinquency-prevention grant.
Whitfield County commissioners at their Aug. 14, 2023 meeting approved a package of routine and capital items, accepted the county’s 2022 audit and authorized grants, contracts and ARPA-funded expenditures.
The board unanimously accepted the 2022 audit presentation from Mauldin & Jenkins after a brief overview by auditor James Bense. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Godfrey also presented the June 2023 financial statements: June LOST collections were reported at $1,279,120 (15.6% above budget) and TAVT collections were $477,861 for the month. The board approved the financial statement 4-0.
The board approved several grant-related actions: Juvenile Court was authorized to apply for the FY2023 Delinquency Prevention Grant (maximum award $42,000, no county match required) and the county authorized submission of the State FY2024 5307 Urban Transportation grant application to help offset transit operating and capital costs (the board noted a 50% operating match and a 10% capital match would apply if funds are awarded).
On county purchases and capital contracts, the board approved a $41,607 purchase from INFAX for an on-premise electronic docket and signage for Superior Court (funded by the 2020 SPLOST); approved an additional $22,180 to Atlas Technical Consultants LLC for final construction drawings for North Oaks–Gillum Drive basin culvert improvements; and accepted a $45,310 contract amendment to Tri State Roofing Contractors LLC related to lightning grounding system work, increasing the roof replacement contract to $1,903,710.
The board also authorized ARPA funds for several 2023 expenditures, including an estimated $10,000 match for CHIP housing grants and work on lead inspections, previously incurred and anticipated Edwards Park sewer repairs (initially $7,382 spent with additional funds previously approved up to $50,000), and one-time retention bonuses for District Attorney and Public Defender staff totaling $97,961.51 (including the county's FICA match). Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve these ARPA-funded items.
Other routine business approved included appointment of members to the 2024 SPLOST Advisory Committee and a no-land-use-objection motion for a City of Varnell annexation (parcel 11-190-03-002), the latter passing 3-1 with Commissioner John Thomas dissenting. A business alcohol beverage license for Khawadvala Traders Inc., d/b/a AJ Mini Mart (2600 E. Walnut Ave, Unit A) was approved 4-0.
Chairman Jevin Jensen highlighted the county’s new food bank facility, describing expanded refrigeration and freezer capacity intended to increase meal distribution, and said the county would post the audit and related materials to the county website. The meeting adjourned with no additional public comment.