Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County manager says local road grant will expand repairs; commissioners plan amendments and raise public‑records concerns
Summary
At a March 25 work session, County Manager Thomas Weaver reported a local road assistance grant that will supplement LMIG funds for local road repairs. Commissioners discussed budget amendments totaling $294,725 and Chairman Coffey raised concerns about misuse of nondisclosure/public‑records practices.
At a March 25 work session, Chattahoochee County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners the county received a local road assistance grant that will piggyback on the LMIG award, increasing the funds available for local road repairs.
"We got the local road assistance grant, and it piggybacks off the LMIG grant, so we will be able to help with more roads," Weaver said. He reported that McGlaun and parts of Smith Road (reworked in 2017) will need further work, and that Liberty Hill Road and Wells Street required riprap repairs after eroded spots were rebuilt. Weaver also said the county’s 2025 SPLOST account has started receiving revenues.
The work session packet included updates from recreation and community development staff. Mordie Askew provided a recreation‑department update; Community Development staffer Samantha Hedgecoke provided event listings including a rabies clinic on April 5, upcoming 4‑H activities and a car show.
Budget staff told commissioners they plan to present six amendments at the regular April 1 meeting. The packet shows proposed amendments totaling $294,725 to be taken from county reserves; items identified for amendment include property tax reimbursements, EMS salaries, prisoner housing costs, legal services, the library account correction and a coroner salary correction.
Commissioners discussed other work session items slated for the April 1 agenda: cemetery bylaws (County Manager Weaver said he will coordinate County Attorney Bin Minter and Community Development staff to draft bylaws), and a Conditional Use Permit process matter — Minter will attend the March 27 Planning & Zoning meeting to answer questions. Friendship Road LMIG bid packets had been received and were tabled for additional review.
Chairman Charles Coffey raised concerns about the county’s handling of public records and nondisclosure decisions. "There are exceptions...for law enforcement," Coffey said. "However it is being abused in our county. Q‑Public — we are not doing it the way we should as a county." He urged commissioners and staff to review the law and follow public‑records requirements.
The work session adjourned at 9:44 a.m.; items discussed there will return to the regular meeting agenda for votes where required.
