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Columbia County committee moves consent items including $780,251 public defender contract and new county imagery
Summary
The Management & Internal Services Committee approved a slate of consent items July 14, including a $780,251 contract for indigent defense, a six‑year aerial imagery/LIDAR agreement and a three‑year Microsoft enterprise agreement that raises annual software costs to $546,545.93.
The Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee approved a slate of consent items on July 14 that included a large indigent-defense contract, new county imagery and multi‑year technology agreements.
Committee member Reese, identified in the record as a county staff member, presented an agreement with Georgia Indigent Defense Services for the Public Defender’s Office covering the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. Reese said, “The budget amount for this contract … is $780,251. We do pay that in 12 monthly installments.” Committee members moved the contract to the consent calendar.
Committee member Kennedy presented a $7,000 service agreement with Izzy’s Foundation to expand free private swim lessons in the region, noting the foundation’s advocacy and the passage of what Kennedy called “Izzy’s law” in Georgia to regulate private swim lessons. Kennedy said the foundation opens lessons to residents across the CSRA and staff recommended approval.
Staff also described a six‑year agreement with Pictometry International to supply digital ortho and oblique aerial photography and LIDAR, with the year‑one cost cited as $134,194.06. Staff said the contract includes flights in 2027, 2029 and 2031 and will refresh the county’s map data.
IT staff told the committee they intend to implement an expanded Cisco security suite that would allow discontinuing some other products and estimated annual savings of about $31,000. The committee also reviewed a new three‑year Microsoft enterprise agreement (2026–2029) that staff said expands cloud and security features; staff stated the annual cost at $546,545.93 and noted it replaces the county’s current Office‑365 tier.
Several other budgeted, staff‑recommended items were moved to consent, including a proposal for inspections and lighting at the Evanstown Center and routine planning and permitting items. The committee recorded motions and seconds and moved the package forward without recorded contention. The committee adjourned and other standing committees convened later in the morning.
The committee indicated these items will appear on upcoming board agendas for final action or be included in consent agendas for full board consideration.
