Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Budget And Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newton County approves multiple budget amendments, jail renovation funds and water-treatment contract
Summary
Commissioners approved a reduction in economic development funding, a staff attorney position for probate court, an FY26 amendment moving $187,312 to complete the historic jail project, a second-reading approval for Carter & Sloop Inc. (Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility) and a USGS agreement that includes $200,000 for infrastructure improvements.
At the July 7 meeting, Newton County commissioners approved a series of budget and contract actions affecting county infrastructure and court operations.
Finance presenter Britney White explained a budget amendment to reduce the Newton County Economic Development appropriation from $350,000 to $275,000 based on the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) board's FY27 budget, moving the remainder to contingency. The board approved the change.
White also sought approval for a staff attorney position for probate court that was previously budgeted in FY27; the board approved the position with no new funding required.
An FY26 budget amendment was presented to move $187,312 from contingency/new positions into 2011 SPLOST to complete contractual obligations and purchase furniture for the historic jail project. Staff said this reflects prior discussion and proper appropriation of funds; the board approved the amendment.
County Manager James Brown presented a second reading and approval for an amendment to Carter and Sloop Inc.'s professional services agreement for the next phase of construction at the Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility; because the amount exceeds $1,000,000 the second reading requirement applied. The board approved the amendment.
Brown also presented the annual agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to monitor local streams and rivers. Brown said USGS included a $200,000 infrastructure improvement benefit to Newton County in this year's agreement and requested the board sign the agreement; the board approved.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether funds represent new dollars or previous appropriations and about the status of SPLOST funds; staff clarified that the FY26 amendment is the formal appropriation of previously discussed money and that the SPLOST fund will be used to finish the historic jail project.
