Commission approves AC replacements, attorney rate increase, zoning contract renewal and selects engineering help for CDBG application

The Board of Commissioners approved several operational and procurement actions at its Jan. 7 regular meeting.

Facility maintenance: Commissioners approved replacing two 15‑ton rooftop air‑conditioning units on the McNaughton Street building. Archie’s submitted the low bid of $26,670 per unit and Fire & Ice bid $27,500; the board voted to accept Archie’s quote and fund the purchase from SPLOST reserves.

Legal services: The board approved an attorney rate increase and accepted Clark Hill attorney A. Binford Minter’s engagement letter identifying his firm as counsel for the Unified Government in the County Attorney role. The engagement letter and attached standard terms outline hourly rates, billing, and choice of law (Georgia). The minutes show unanimous approval of the rate change.

Zoning and planning assistance: The commission renewed the zoning contract (motion approved unanimously) and approved a Planning & Zoning technical‑assistance agreement describing services such as ordinance and map maintenance, staff reports, and attendance. The River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC) contract estimated an annual fee of $6,000 for the 12‑month term beginning July 1, 2024.

CDBG application: After reviewing RFQ scores, the board selected Ingram Engineering (highest score: 67) as the county’s CDBG engineer. Rick Morris, who attended the meeting to explain scoring, said five firms applied and that a rewrite fee is $500 (a new application would be $750). The board also approved a Letter of Agreement with RVRC to prepare and submit a FY2025 Community Development Block Grant application and to provide implementation assistance if the grant is awarded.

The board entered executive session for legal matters and reconvened before adjourning at 10:24 a.m.