Cusseta‑Chattahoochee work session: grants, Friendship Road timing and recycling rules discussed

County Manager Thomas Weaver and department staff briefed commissioners at a June 23 work session on ongoing grants, road projects and operational issues ahead of the July 1 regular meeting.

Weaver said the county has two grant applications under re‑submission — a sewer grant and a rails‑to‑trails walking‑trail application — and that both have a reasonable chance of success. He reported Friendship Road is out for bid and that bids are expected to open in late July, with an award targeted by the August meeting depending on bidder workloads.

Chris Dunn of the Georgia Forestry Commission introduced himself as the county forestry contact; he said he began working with the county in December, described resources available in the event of wildfire and told commissioners he would return with an annual report. Recreation director Mordie Askew said the splash pad is operational and that fall football registration has begun.

Commissioners and staff spent time clarifying recycling‑center practices after complaints about donated clothing and building‑material disposal. Manager Weaver explained the existing practice allows residents with an active water account to bring limited household trash, small amounts of C&D, furniture, appliances and clothing at no charge, while local businesses are charged; he said staff will contact local charities about clothing pickups and consider signage or a tag system to reduce on‑site clutter.

Staff also noted administrative housekeeping: audits continue, Tank 1 on the water system was cleaned on June 17 and Tank 2 will be scheduled, and Columbus Water Works reported that John Otto plans to retire and Ken Barbour will replace him. The work session concluded with commissioners confirming several items for the July 1 agenda, including a FLOST sales‑tax ballot resolution, an appointment (Sheila Wilson) to the Board of Assessors and a proclamation for longtime library employee Pam Burgamy.