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Walker County approves clinic contract, MPO grant applications, generators, ERP software and courthouse remediation
Summary
Commissioners awarded a contract to Southern Clinical Services for an employee wellness clinic, authorized MPO grant applications for road and sidewalk projects, approved a Hazard Mitigation generator grant and several purchase orders (including an elections generator and courthouse remediation), and selected a new ERP financial system.
Walker County commissioners on Feb. 5 approved a package of contracts and funding actions intended to modernize county operations, bolster emergency preparedness and pursue federal transportation money.
Health clinic: The board awarded Resolution R-014-26 to contract with Southern Clinical Services to establish a health and wellness clinic for county employees. Commissioners said the move responds to employee concerns after a coverage disruption between CHI and Cigna; the county will fund an initial $30,000 out of the general fund for the remainder of the fiscal year with a budget line to be added next year.
Transportation MPO application: County staff presented an application to the Chattanooga–Hamilton County North Georgia Metropolitan Planning Organization seeking shares of roughly $12 million in unprogrammed funds for 2026–2029. The proposal targets safety and pedestrian improvements along Happy Valley Road in phases (turn lanes, 5-foot sidewalks and targeted widening) near three schools and residential areas. The board authorized filing the application and agreed to provide a 20% local match if the projects are awarded.
Generators and hazard mitigation: The board approved Resolution R-016-26 to award a contract for generators funded by a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; the county’s obligation is $173,895.40 (25% of the grant). Commissioners also approved a $69,134.67 purchase order for a generator for the elections office (SPLOST-funded). Emergency management staff said three portable generators will be placed across the county and nine total critical sites are in the program.
ERP procurement: County CFO Christian Roach explained an RFP process that led to selection of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor to replace the county’s legacy financial system. The new system will reduce annual software costs (from about $80,000 to an estimated $46,000), provide public-facing dashboards for financial transparency and support electronic payment processing. The board approved the initial-year funding and contract award.
Courthouse remediation: The board approved a $168,743 purchase order to Gordian for containment and remediation phase 2 of mold and asbestos abatement at the Walker County Courthouse. The remediation follows consultant testing that found mold, asbestos and lead-based paint in multiple interior locations.
Other purchases: Commissioners approved a $103,650 purchase to North America Fire Equipment (NAFCO) for annual PPE for fire/rescue personnel. Board members discussed funding sources (SPLOST, prior allocations) and asked staff to track outstanding ARPA/SLUSH funds used for emergency equipment and signage.
Why it matters: The actions advance county infrastructure resilience, employee health services, financial transparency and transportation safety initiatives; several approvals require later implementation steps (grant awards, GDOT meetings, design approvals) and ongoing public engagement.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with MPO application matching steps if awards are made, schedule public meetings around major transportation projects and coordinate generator and remediation work with vendor timelines and grant conditions.
