Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Contracts And Conflicts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves paving and equipment purchases; recusal and vendor ties disclosed
Summary
The board approved a paving contract with Thrift Brothers (Chairman Elmer Thrift recused), a $11,750 PA-system repair (vendor partly owned by EMA Director Jonathan Daniell), and an EMA F350 purchase at $63,030; disclosures and recusal were recorded on the meeting minutes.
At its June 26 called meeting, the Ware County Board of Commissioners approved several operational contracts and purchases and recorded potential conflicts of interest.
Paving contract and recusal: The board approved a previously tabled contract with Thrift Brothers, LLC to pave sections of N. McDonald Road, Cornelius Road, Paschall Road and about one mile of Griffin Road. Chairman Elmer Thrift recused himself from the discussion and vote, noting his sons own Thrift Brothers. Vice Chairman Barry Cox moved to approve the contract and Commissioner Leonard Burse seconded; the recorded roll call shows Thrift abstained/recused and the motion carried.
Recreation PA system: Recreation Director Lance Adamson requested repair of the adult-side public address system after renewed program activity. Southern Audio Design provided the only responsive quote at an estimated $11,750; County Manager James Shubert said approximately $69,000 remains in 2014 SPLOST funds to pay for the work. Shubert also disclosed that Southern Audio Design is partially owned by Ware County EMA Director Jonathan Daniell. Commissioners approved the repair.
EMA vehicle purchase: Ware County EMA Director Jonathan Daniell presented three quotes for an F350 to pull EMA trailers; the lowest quote was $63,030 from Robbie Roberson. Commissioner Leonard Burse moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Barry Cox seconded and the motion passed.
Why it matters: the meeting recorded both a formal recusal by the chairman on a contract benefiting his family and a vendor ownership link to an elected official in a separate procurement item; the board approved all items after disclosure.
Next steps: staff will execute the Thrift Brothers contract, proceed with the PA repair using the Southern Audio Design quote, and purchase the F350 per the approved quote.
