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County accepts digital-equity grant, authorizes RAISE application and approves several contracts, bids and emergency repairs
Summary
Commissioners accepted a $30,000 Connect Humanity digital equity grant (with $20,000 in-kind match), authorized a RAISE planning grant application for school-area sidewalks, approved an EagleView imagery contract and awarded park and repair contracts including a $34,081.66 emergency fire-engine repair and parking-deck down payment.
The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners approved several grants, contracts and procurement actions at its Jan. 8 meeting.
Digital equity and federal grants: The board accepted a $30,000 digital equity grant from Connect Humanity (a federal award passed through the Appalachian Regional Commission) to complete a community connectivity plan. The grant requires a $20,000 in-kind match, which county staff said will be covered jointly by Dalton Utilities staff time and county staff time. Commissioner Robby Staten moved and Commissioner Barry W. Robbins seconded; the vote was recorded 4-0.
The board also adopted a resolution authorizing the county to apply for a 2024 RAISE planning grant to support sidewalk and pedestrian-safety projects around county schools; the application is considered a planning grant for rural areas and requires no local match. Commissioner John Thomas moved and Commissioner Robby Staten seconded the authorization; the minutes record a 4-0 vote.
Contracts and procurements: The board approved a six-year aerial imagery contract with EagleView for $46,453.65 for the Tax Assessor's Office, with an option for staff to confirm early termination at year three with proper notice. Commissioners approved trail construction at Rocky Face Ridge Park (low bid $120,000 to Barry Smith Trails) and fence padding at Riverbend Park ($52,022.86 to Covermaster).
Emergency repairs and facility maintenance: Commissioners approved emergency repairs to a reserve fire engine totaling $34,081.66 after an initial diagnosis revealed head damage and subsequent disassembly identified additional wiring, IDM and exhaust problems. The board also approved a 40% down payment of $103,880.67 toward county responsibility for parking-deck repairs at the Wells Fargo Building under an existing lease with Triple E Properties, LLC.
Why it matters: The digital-equity and RAISE actions advance broadband planning and pedestrian safety projects; the imagery contract aims to improve property valuation efficiency; park and repair contracts address capital-maintenance needs and an emergency apparatus repair keeps fire services operational.
What’s next: Staff will execute grant agreements, submit the RAISE application by the Feb. 28 deadline, finalize the EagleView contract, and proceed with awarded contracts and repairs as instructed by departments.
