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Appling County commissioners approve appointments, select consultant for Head Start project and withhold final pool payment pending repairs
Summary
The board approved several appointments including Brenda Harris to the Board of Health and May Frances Joiner to the DFCS board, selected Robert's Civil Engineering for a Head Start CDBG project, discussed an EMS building fire with ambulances unharmed, and approved a $200,000 payment to Swim Pro while retaining $29,990.83 until pool repairs are complete.
At its Dec. 6 regular meeting the Appling County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of administrative appointments, consultant selections and project actions and received updates from county departments.
Appointments and selections: The board appointed Brenda Harris to the Board of Health for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2023 to replace Rebecca Ogden, and appointed May Frances Joiner to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) board to replace Ms. Artis; both appointments were made by motion and approved unanimously. County Manager Mike Deal announced Robert's Civil Engineering as the top‑ranked firm for professional services and the board approved selecting that firm as the consulting engineer for the Head Start Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project.
Infrastructure, fire and roads: Reid Lovett reported that Satilla Road was reclassified to Band 2 and Ten Mile Road to Band 1 under the Transportation Investment Act priorities; the board adopted a resolution to approve those changes. Road & Bridges Superintendent Brooks Johnson said Fries Farms requested pavement repairs; Dunn's Lake boat ramp work is complete pending a DNR push into the lake; and equipment delivery and a broken mower remain operational challenges.
EMS building: Jimmy Twiggs updated the board on a recent fire at the EMS building, saying ambulances were not damaged but sleeping quarters were gutted and attic damage occurred through a firewall. Twiggs said EMS units are temporarily housed at the EMA building while insurance and ownership matters are discussed with the Appling County Hospital Authority.
Recreation and pool payment: Recreation Coordinator Timmy McGuirt reported that soccer participation has tripled to 12 teams. The board authorized payment of $200,000 to Swim Pro for the pool project and voted to retain $29,990.83 of the contract balance until required repairs and adjustments are completed to the county’s satisfaction. The board also approved an Athletic Coordinator job description and allowed Emanual Williams to proceed with plans to host Pickleball tournaments.
Other business: Buildings & Grounds Manager Dwight Watts requested permission to purchase a diesel lift estimated at $40,000–$50,000 against a $25,000 equipment budget. John Mitchell asked that the county donate a surplus shelter from the old EMA building to the American Legion; County Attorney Tracy Brown asked Mitchell to meet with the county manager to discuss remodeling funding. Sheriff Mark Melton noted a deputy retirement and commended volunteers at a medical emergency during recent election events.
Votes at a glance: A series of routine motions — appointments, consultant selection, TIA resolution, pool payment with retained funds, and consultant designation — passed unanimously as recorded in the minutes. The board adjourned with no further public action announced.
Next steps: Several items listed require follow up, including finalizing insurance and housing for EMS, securing funds if needed for equipment purchases, completing pool repairs to release retained funds, and executing the written county manager contract.
