Polk County finance committee approves FEMA grant application, readies opioid-settlement opt-in and recommends 9.000 mills roll-back rate

Polk County’s Finance Committee met March 10 and agreed to pursue several funding and administrative actions ahead of the Board’s March 31 regular meeting.

County Manager Matt Denton told the Committee that Judge Murphy and Judge Roper have requested the county portion of their judicial supplements be distributed to their clerks; Human Resources Director Wofford is researching the legal authority for that request, and the Committee advised Denton to invite the judges to the April Finance Committee meeting for further discussion.

Denton reviewed the finalized finance monthly report for February 2026. He also reported that the county has been notified of another award in the Opioid Settlement; the county will need to vote to opt in, and the Committee discussed establishing a budget to allocate any settlement funds. Denton said the opt-in will go before the Board at its March 31 meeting.

Police Chief Evans submitted a list of vehicles she is requesting the county declare surplus; Denton said that list will be forwarded to the Board for consideration at the March 31 meeting.

On property-tax matters, Denton said the Board must establish and certify the 2026 countywide Estimated Roll-Back Rate as required by O.C.G.A. Title 48 and recommended a rate of 9.000 mills. The Committee agreed with that recommendation and will forward it to the Board for formal action.

Assistant County Manager Connor Hooper presented a FEMA grant opportunity from Public Safety Specialist Hendrix that carries an $11,000 county match. Denton said the county share could likely be covered using 2020 SPLOST funds; the Committee agreed to move forward with the grant application.

Hooper also reviewed bids for construction work at the Van Wert Fire Station. He said the Bid Committee recommended R&R Builders and Construction as the lowest bidder meeting specifications, at $220,000 for roof and trim (galvalume). Hooper noted the work is part of an overall project previously approved by the Board and that Finance Committee-level approval is possible given the contract amount.

Denton relayed a request from the Elections Board to amend poll-worker pay to a tiered $12.00, $13.00 and $14.00 hourly structure. The Committee directed Denton to confer with Elections Director Beck about whether the proposed structure is acceptable; if Beck agrees, the amendment will be placed on the March 31 Board agenda.

Committee members also discussed Assistant Manager Hooper negotiating with an equipment operator about holding out until July 1 for a pay adjustment and the possibility of reclassifying that position to Assistant Public Works Director.

There were no commissioner comments. Commissioner Hal Floyd called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.; the meeting was subsequently adjourned (time not specified). The Board is scheduled to consider the items noted above at its March 31, 2026 regular meeting.