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Ben Hill County commissioners approve road awards, accept landfill oversight and authorize staff bonuses
Summary
At their Nov. 5 meeting, Ben Hill County commissioners approved award letters for multiple road projects, accepted management of the county landfill with the Solid Waste Authority, reappointed three election board members and authorized $100/$50 Christmas bonuses for full- and part-time employees.
The Ben Hill County Commission on Nov. 5 approved a series of contract award letters for road projects, accepted management of the county landfill with the regional Solid Waste Authority and authorized modest Christmas bonuses for employees.
Vice-Chair Hope Harmon moved to approve the meeting agenda after Chairman Steve Taylor added an item to accept landfill management; Commissioner John Mooney seconded and the motion passed with all five commissioners voting in favor. The commission then approved prior minutes from the Oct. 8 regular meeting.
County Manager Michael Dinnerman told commissioners that a pre-construction meeting was held with East Coast Asphalt for an EDA-funded road project scheduled to begin in about 45 days and that the county is working with the regional commissioner and the state Department of Community Affairs to reallocate $292,000 in RLF funds to help cover the county’s portion of the Monitor Enrichment Project. Dinnerman said the project’s bids came in over budget and that an environmental review—required before funds are used—could take an estimated 60 to 90 days, potentially delaying procurement and construction.
The commission voted to send award letters to East Coast Asphalt for two paving projects: the CDBG-funded Flint Road and the EDA-funded Ed Ward Road. The body also approved sending an award letter to PCF for the 2024 Monitor Enrichment Project. Each motion was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.
The commission approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Hospital Authority to transfer a 2014 Chevrolet ambulance deemed surplus. Vice-Chair Hope Harmon moved the agreement; Commissioner John Mooney seconded and the vote was unanimous.
On landfill oversight, Vice-Chair Hope Harmon moved to accept management of the Ben Hill County landfill in cooperation with the Solid Waste Authority; Commissioner John Mooney seconded and the motion passed with all present commissioners voting in favor. Manager Dinnerman said a consultant is evaluating inert and C&D landfill capacity and potential savings on closure and revenue generation following Hurricane Helene; FEMA provided a contractor to remove storm debris and the county road department is removing debris for safety reasons only.
The commission also approved a lease agreement with Youth In Action and reappointed or appointed three members to the Board of Elections: reappointments of William Gleaton and Mary Young and the appointment of Nessa Williams. Commissioners approved Christmas bonuses of $100 for full-time employees and $50 for part-time employees.
Vice-Chair Hope Harmon used her remarks to acknowledge assistance received during Hurricane Helene relief, thanking a staff member in U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office for GEMA coordination and local agencies and volunteers, including the Fitzgerald Police Department, the sheriff’s office, the road department and the Senior Center (Cathy Posey) for serving as a distribution site. Chairman Steve Taylor offered condolences to County Manager Dinnerman on the passing of his mother. The meeting was adjourned.
