McDonough council approves parks vehicles, landscaping truck, Travis Drive resurfacing and police precinct design contracts

The City Council of McDonough authorized several public‑works purchases and contract awards at its Jan. 20 meeting, approving fleet additions for parks, a road resurfacing contract and architectural design services for a new police precinct.

Assistant Public Works Director Andy Butts described the short‑term need for additional parks vehicles after the city hired three new parks workers who have been borrowing equipment from other departments. Butts said the proposed 2026 Chevy Silverado EV at $45,230 will provide a dedicated vehicle for one parks crew member, while a larger 2026 Isuzu NPR crew cab landscaping truck ($72,995) will carry a mower and pull the side‑by‑side used for trail maintenance. “We have recently hired three individuals for our parks department ... they need two new vehicles,” Butts said.

Council discussed vehicle inventory, training (a partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College) and operational reasons for buying both trucks; the Silverado purchase was recorded as passing with 6 in favor and 1 opposed, and the landscaping truck vote was recorded in favor.

The council also awarded a Travis Drive resurfacing contract to Blount Construction for $234,700.37 after staff said Blount submitted the lower of two bids (Magnum Paving offered about $351,193.50). Council approved the resurfacing contract 7‑0.

Finally, the council authorized a $292,000 contract with Jericho Design Group LLC to provide architectural design services for the South Police Precinct. Staff said Jericho’s proposal offered strong scope and municipal experience compared with lower bids; the council approved the selection 7‑0.

Each approval included the standard authorization for the mayor to sign required documents and instructions that staff finalize contract paperwork.