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County manager outlines opioid‑settlement grant program, SPLOST paving plans and other staff items
Summary
Dawson County’s manager said the county will accept applications for opioid‑settlement funds to support local treatment and intervention programs, outlined multiple paving projects funded by SPLOST, and requested an executive session on personnel and real estate; staff also reported on hydrant funding, RFP rejections for school counseling and a Park & Rec appointment.
The county manager told the board Dawson County will begin accepting applications from local nonprofits for funding from direct settlement payments the county received in opioid‑related litigation and that the county will post the grant application on its website and return recommendations for awards in April or May.
"These funds are very specific on what they can be used for, and we want to make sure that they're returned to efforts directly here in Dawson County," the county manager said, emphasizing awards will be restricted to opioid treatment and intervention services. He noted some opioid settlement funds were administered by the state while the county also received direct payments that it will distribute locally.
The manager also previewed paving projects planned this summer using SPLOST funds, including full depth reclamation on Keith Evans Road (State Route 183 to State Route 136), full depth reclamation on Blue Look Overridge (SR 53 to the Forsyth County line), deep patch and overlay on Nightfire Drive (SR 400 to Dogwood Way) and additional overlays and in‑house paving such as Emmett Drive.
He told commissioners he expects more paving this year than in prior years because of available SPLOST funds and said quarterly updates on these projects are planned. The manager asked the board to note a need for an executive session on personnel and one real estate item later in the meeting.
Other agenda items presented during the work session included:
- A request from Emergency Services Director Troy Least for $66,537 to purchase nine fire hydrants tied to Etowah Water and Sewer main upgrades on Grizzle Road between Hughes Towers and Lumpkin Campground; staff said impact fees may offset cost.
- Purchase Manager Melissa Hawk reported that two proposals for school crisis intervention and group counseling for junior high and high school students were rejected by evaluators as lacking required education/experience and staff recommended taking no further action on the current proposals.
- The sheriff presented a request to surplus and transfer ownership of a retiring county canine to its handler, Alex Pearson; staff said the handler would assume financial responsibility and guarantee the dog would not be returned to law enforcement service.
- The board announced the appointment of Karen Westbrook to the Park and Recreation board to complete Wayne Goodwin’s term through December 2027.
No formal votes on funding or awards occurred during the work session; staff presented requests and will return with procurement or award recommendations when appropriate.
