Newton County selects Ascension to manage Westside Youth Facility amid resident concerns over consultant spending and site selection

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted July 7 to enter an agreement with Ascension Program Management LLC to serve as project manager for the planned Westside Youth Facility and park.

County Manager Brown presented the RFP process that led to Ascension’s selection, saying a review team scored proposals based on price and qualifications and recommended Ascension as the winning vendor. He said the project manager will help staff select designers and contractors, oversee design and construction tasks and assist with budget and invoice review during an anticipated roughly 18-month process.

Commissioners and several residents emphasized they want community input and careful oversight. Commissioner Long said the public will have “lots of discussions” and recommended town-hall style engagement so the project aligns with local expectations. Commissioner Cooper asked whether Ascension was the lowest bidder or selected as the most qualified; Brown replied the team concluded it was both the lowest and most qualified.

Multiple residents told the board they are concerned about repeated consultant spending and want prior work and appraisals revisited before committing to new contracts. Elena Sanders, speaking during public comment, said, “we've been spending more money on consultants than actually building the actual facility,” and asked whether bids have been sought rather than repeatedly using the same firms. Maya Allen and Alena Sanders urged the board to include District 3 residents in siting decisions and to be transparent about whether the county will pursue a $4 million federal grant or rely on SPLOST funds.

Brown told the commissioners that staff is narrowing potential properties and will present site options to the board; he said the project manager is intended to help frame a design and contract package the county can afford. The board approved the motion to enter the agreement with Ascension by voice vote.

What happens next: staff said Ascension will begin working with county staff to identify designers and contractors and to develop a community-engagement plan; specifics on timeline, fees and the selected site will be presented to the commission in future meetings.