Tift County commissioners approve dozer purchase, mower, grants and budget adjustment

The Tift County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 13 approved a series of equipment purchases, grant applications and a budget adjustment aimed at shoring up county public‑works and emergency services capacity.

Public Works Director Jason Jordan asked the board to exercise the county’s option to pay the final $63,000 on a D5K2 Cat dozer (2,240 hours); Commissioners Paul Webb and Greg Wood led the motion and it passed unanimously. The commission also approved a 60‑month/3,000‑hour parts‑and‑labor warranty for the dozer for $6,230, which Jordan said would cover drivetrain and engine components.

The board approved the purchase of a purpose‑built Energreen Aspen side arm mowing machine from Reynolds Warren at $244,064 plus an additional overhead‑reach head priced at $26,303.64. Jordan told the commission the additional head can reach approximately 24 feet to cut overhead limbs, a capability staff said will replace a flail head currently in use.

County Manager Jim Carter and staff won approval to apply for and accept several grants. The board accepted a $500 equipment grant from the Georgia Arson Control program for photography equipment to assist fire scene investigations and approved applying for the FY2023 Georgia Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant totaling $4,056, with a 50% local match of $2,028, to buy drafting strainers and supply‑line brackets. Commissioners also authorized applying for a Norfolk Southern Safety First Grant to acquire gas monitors and a thermal imaging camera (project cost $7,057, no local match required).

Fire services also drew direct budget support. Rush Truck Center estimated Engine 55 repairs at about $24,000, while a replacement crate engine was quoted at $30,505.47 with a one‑year warranty; staff recommended, and the board approved, purchasing the crate engine. To offset that expense, the commission approved Resolution No. 2023‑18, increasing Fire District Fund revenues by $100,000 from proceeds received for the sale of two fire engines to the City of Ocilla and increasing vehicle repair and maintenance appropriations by the same amount.

The board accepted an allotment from the Georgia Trauma Commission for FY24 that totals $5,962.51 for Tift County’s eight licensed ambulances (at $745.31 per ambulance) to purchase approved trauma equipment.

In parks and public works, commissioners approved a $141,000 change order for E.B. Hamilton Park Phase 1 after staff said heavy summer rainfall prevented county crews from completing required earthwork and the contractor will perform the additional site work to keep the project on schedule. The board also approved allocating approximately $8,600 in interest earned on ARPA funds to buy animal control supplies (veterinary darts, pepper spray guns and lights/sirens) and accepted a $13,464 low bid from Peachtree Construction & Design to demolish an unsafe county‑owned property at 983 Lower Brookfield Road.

Other routine actions included approving Resolution No. 2023‑17 to surplus three county vehicles and appointing Commissioner Melissa Hughes to the Library Board. All motions recorded in the meeting minutes passed on unanimous 6‑0 votes where tallies were recorded.

The board ended the meeting after brief commissioner comments about local traffic‑signal needs and holiday wishes.