Whitfield County commissioners approve zoning actions, capital purchases and ARPA funding
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Summary
On July 8, 2024 the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners approved multiple rezoning requests and denials, awarded contracts and purchases funded by SPLOST and ARPA, updated the building fee schedule to comply with state law, and amended an agreement to bring fiber into Westside Park.
The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners on July 8, 2024 approved a slate of routine and capital actions, including several rezoning decisions, vehicle and equipment purchases, ARPA funding for detention-center HVAC units and updates to the county's building fee schedule.
The approvals came at the board's regular business meeting at the courthouse. Commissioners Jevin Jensen (Chairman), Barry W. Robbins (Vice-Chair), Robby Staten, John Thomas and Greg Jones were present. Most motions passed unanimously, typically by recorded 4-0 votes.
The actions collectively affect county operations and near-term capital spending. The board approved buying two vehicles for Buildings & Grounds from Georgia state contract pricing (a 2024 Ford F-150 for $49,605 and a 2024 Ford F-250 utility bed for $66,755), accepted a $39,926 contract with Tri-State Roofing to re-caulk the county parking deck, and ratified a $90,000 Musco Lighting repair for a Riverbend Park soccer-field light (insurance minus a $25,000 deductible will cover most costs).
Public-safety and facility investments included accepting a prepay-discounted contract to purchase four Class A fire pumpers from Peach State Truck Centers/Spartan Emergency Response totaling $3,199,512 from 2024 SPLOST funds, and approving $48,189 in restricted ARPA funds to cover three HVAC units for the county detention center after anticipated grant funding proved unavailable.
The board awarded a $59,854 bid to Douglas Equipment for Senior Center kitchen appliances using City of Dalton 2020 SPLOST funds and approved a $116,448.02 payment (the county's 40% share) for Wells Fargo Building parking-deck repairs per an existing lease agreement. Public Works received a $2,654,000 amendment from 2024 SPLOST proceeds to expand paving, pipe replacement and equipment purchases to meet annual goals.
In policy and compliance items, commissioners approved revising the county building-permit fee schedule from valuation-based fees to square-footage pricing to comply with Georgia House Bill 461, and ratified Whitfield County Transit Service's triennial Title VI update required for Federal Transit Administration funding.
Votes at a glance: all listed motions passed 4-0 unless otherwise noted. Major items included approval of May 2024 financial statements; vehicle purchases for Buildings & Grounds; Tri-State Roofing contract for parking deck caulking; amendment to the Dalton Utilities IGA to add fiber to Westside Park (additional $40,000, ARPA-funded); approval of ARPA funding for detention-center HVAC ($48,189); acceptance of the $4,000 Georgia Department of Agriculture animal shelter grant; award to Douglas Equipment for senior center appliances ($59,854); purchase of four Class A pumpers ($3,199,512, SPLOST-funded); and the Public Works $2,654,000 SPLOST budget amendment.
Board members and staff emphasized budget sources and compliance: several items used SPLOST proceeds, some used restricted ARPA funds, and the building-fee change was tied to state law. The meeting record shows motions typically made and seconded by commissioners (for example, Commissioner Barry W. Robbins frequently moved items and Commissioner Robby Staten or others seconded). The board approved routine grant and procurement items without extended debate.
The meeting adjourned after additional public comments and final administrative items; the county clerk later certified the minutes on August 12, 2024.