Council previews ordinances, contracts and appointments for next meeting; budgets, dispatch and county services on the list

Staff reviewed a set of items council will consider at the next regular meeting, including budget ordinances for the 2026–27 fiscal year, an equipment authorization request of $47,490 to replace aging SCADA controllers and VFDs for municipal tanks and pump stations, a dispatch services contract with Rome County Emergency Communications District that carries a 3% price increase, and a combined interlocal agreement with Rome County for planning, codes and reappraisal services.

Miss Kelly said the budget ordinances (20266091 and 20266092) are being maintained in draft while staff anticipates further changes before second reading. On the equipment request, Utility Director Kevin Hamilton said replacing aging SCADA equipment will reduce risk of failures and enable temporary pressure-based operations if a tank goes offline.

Staff recommended placing the Rome County dispatch contract and the interlocal cooperation agreement on the Tuesday agenda; the dispatch contract was described as costing "right at" $90,000 after the increase and the interlocal agreement would increase by about $2,500 to roughly $17,000 for comprehensive services the city lacks capacity to provide on its own. A resolution to participate in the Public Entity Partners matching safety grant program and two Park and Recreation Board appointments were also scheduled for the upcoming meeting. No votes were taken during the work session.