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Whitfield County adopts Urban Revitalization Plan; board approves a slate of routine contracts and awards
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Summary
The Board adopted an Urban Revitalization Plan focused inside the Bypass and I‑75 to help secure state funds for affordable housing, heard a tourism economic impact presentation, and approved contracts including UGA Extension, court reporters and a public works GPS system.
Whitfield County commissioners on April 8 adopted an Urban Revitalization Plan aimed at encouraging development and making the county eligible for additional state funding intended to lower development costs and support affordable housing.
Commissioner Greg Jones moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Barry W. Robbins seconded; the motion passed 4-0. County staff said the plan was prepared in partnership with the City of Dalton, Believe Greater Dalton and the Dalton Housing Authority and focuses on the area inside the Bypass and I‑75.
The board also heard a presentation from Margaret Thigpen, director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, on travel and tourism's economic impact in Whitfield County for 2023 (presentation details are summarized in the minutes). Chairman Jevin Jensen noted several grants and awards the county received in 2024, including a $30,000 broadband grant from Connect Humanity's Appalachian Digital Accelerator, recognition for the Conasauga Addiction Recovery Center, and a $1 million federal sewer grant.
On routine contracts and procurement, the board voted unanimously to approve:
- A UGA County Extension Office contract for fiscal year July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025, for $96,925 (first six months are in the 2024 budget; latter six months will be in the 2025 budget).
- Agreements with four court reporters (Nikki Holcomb, Janice Walters, Connie Sargeant and Leslie Estes) to provide official Superior Court reporting services at per‑diem rates of $350 for criminal matters and $250 for certain civil matters (or Judicial Council rates if greater).
- Procurement and equipment actions: ratification of a $26,054.78 kitchen steamer purchase for the Senior Center (City of Dalton SPLOST funds), approval of a $38,550 change order to complete five WC Fire Department restroom remodels, contract trucking services with Wheat Trucking, and a Samsara Inc. GPS installation and monitoring contract for Public Works at $11,183.40 annually.
Other business included approving rezoning requests recommended by the planning commission, actions on City of Dalton annexation items (one postponed; three received no land‑use objection), reappointing Wendy Saylors to the Northwest Georgia Region 1 EMS Council seat, and approving a $22,617 COVID mitigation grant to purchase HVAC filters for the detention center.
The meeting record shows unanimous votes on the listed motions; the minutes do not include extended public debate or citizen comments on these items.