MINUTES SEPTEMBERI1,2024 9:00 AM  MERIWETIERCOUNTY BOARDOFCOMIISSIONERS  Commissioners Present: Chairman Gene King, Vice Chairman Adam Worsley, and Commissioner Emmett Commissioners. Absent: Commissioner Rosla Plant and Commissioner Bryan Threadgill Staff Present: Assistant County Administrator Blue Cole, Administrative Team: County Clerk Allyson Stephens, Finance Director. John Gorton, LT. Director Matthew Brown and County Attorney Nathan Lee  Collins  Staff Absent: none I. CALLTO ORDER II. INVOCATION September 11,2001. III. PLEDGETO THE FLAG All IV. ADOPT AGENDA  Thei meeting was called to order by Chairman Gene King at 9:00a.m.  Chairman King called for ai moment of silence in memory and honor of those affected by the events of  A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Collins to Adopt the Agenda with the: following amendment:. Add #8 Under New. Business Consideration ofIGA with the A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsleyt to go into Executive Session to discuss. Real Estate, Personnel, and Litigation at 9:02 a.m. All were inj favor.. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and: seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley. to come out oft the Executive Session at 10:42a.m. All were in favor. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley to go back into. Regular Session at 10:46 a.m. All were inj favor.  Town ofLone Oak to collect taxes. All were ini favor. The Executive Session was moved before. Presentations  V. PRESENTATIONS  1. EMC: Engineering Services, Inc. Cristopher E. Brazell, PE, PLS  Mr. Christopher E. Brazell, PE, PLS ofEMC Engineering Services located at 3575 Macon Road, Columbus, GA stated that their firm was founded in 1978 and celebrated their 45th anniversary last year. Mr. Brazell stated he has been with the company for 22 years and is the ChiefOperations Officer. Mr. Brazell stated that EMC has been doing municipal work since the late 1980s. Mr. Brazell stated al lot of that work has to do with grant writing, pavement management, LMIG programs, storm water, drainage, water and: sewer, and can help with land ordinances, surveying, Geotech, and can also help with the environmental side, such as landfill monitoring and similar services. Mr. Brazell stated that EMC is an employee-owned company, and the company employs 125 employees throughout the southeast with 11 offices. Mr. Brazell stated that he is located in the Columbus office and there is another office in Thomaston, Georgia. Mr. Brazell stated that 75% oftheir business is repeat business and they are currently the engineering company for Harris County, Upson County, the City ofTalbotton, Talbot County, and currently do work with the Columbus consolidated government and al lot ofother counties in the region. Mr. Brazell stated that they would love the opportunity to explore opportunities to help Meriwether County. Mr. Brazell stated that EMC Engineering is very competitive in the Community Development Block Grants, does thej preliminary engineering reports and helps facilitate for the County when submitting those and becomes al lifeline for the County. Mr. Brazell stated that he would like to point out that EMC does immerse themselves in the communities they work in and don'tj just come in    and leave. Mr. Brazell stated the Board would be able to contact him 24/7 and they will be active in the Chamber of Commerce, being visible in the community. Mr. Brazell offered to answer any questions and Mr.. John Knight of Chisel Mill Homes thanked the Board: for allowing him the opportunity to speak. Mr. Knight stated he is there to speak with thel Board about amending Meriwether County's Ordinance on Curb and Gutter. Mr. Knight stated that he gave a presentation on this to the Board a couple of months prior and is there today to answer. any questions or address any concerns that the Board may have with such a change and would also like to make sure that the ordinance they are proposing would be heard at next month's Board of Commissioner's meeting. Mr. Knight presented the Board with a packet ofinformation and stated that on the last four pages is the Ordinance. Mr. Knight stated that Meriwether County currently requires the: streets, which are engineered and designed, must have curb and gutter, unless the lots are 5 or more acres. Mr. Knight stated that this is unfeasible for them in Meriwether County and the ordinance doesn't make al lot ofs sense. Mr. Knight stated that al lot oftimes, a curb and gutter is required on morel high-density zoning. Mr. Knight stated that is the purpose ofit, wherei there can be 21 to 81 houses per acre. Mr. Knight stated that they are still: sticking to the LDR zoning, which is a 2-acre minimum with 200ft fronts. Mr. Knight stated he has talked to a lot of experts in grading, and they all stated that when lots are greater than 1 acre or more, then the open-ditch drainage actually works better than curb and gutter. Mr. Knight stated that most ofMeriwether County is open- ditch drainage. Mr. Knight stated that in his opinion, open-ditch drainage looks better than curb and gutter, as with curb and gutter you are not] just pouring the curb and gutter, you are running inlets under the streets and the water would run into a detention pond. Mr. Knight stated that they purchased a3 30- acre tract and planned to build 10 homes offofHighway 85 at the corner of Callaway Road. Mr. Knight stated that they bought this property and started working with Meriwether County in October 2023 and came up with a design that allows easements to access some ofthe property, which is currently allowed. Mr. Knight stated they have preliminary plat approval on this. Mr. Knight stated that while working with Meriwether County, they discovered that ifthey changed the ordinance to not require curb and gutter, they could develop a plan that had one road that was engineered and approved by Meriwether County. Mr. Knight stated the road would come offo ofIke Williams Road and have ac cul-de-sac. Mr. Knight stated what is currently required is curb and gutter and that what they are asking is that as Iong as they keep the lots at 2 acres, no curb and gutter, be required. Mr. Knight stated they believe it would look better, but currently have plat approval for utilizing easements. Mr. Knight stated ift they did utilize easements then they do plan on delivering al beautiful product tol Meriwether County. Mr. Knight stated that in either case, they will be building homes that are around 1,5001 to 1,750 square feet that will sell for around $350,000. Mr. Knight showed both plans and believed that it would look better not requiring curb and gutter. Mr. Knight showed a poster oft the proposed Herndon Hills, as well as a development they had already completed on Tenney Nelson Road. Mr. Knight stated that it is already allowed to do what hei is proposing as long as there is a street already built, and it is no different from what is already being done in! Meriwether County. Mr. Knight showed the Board an example of where they had utilized the zoning on a development offo ofTenney Nelson Road. Mr. Knight showed the Board an example of the Bradley plan and stated that is what is being proposed to be built in Herndon Hills. Vice Chairman Worsley verified that the current zoning states that ifai road already exists, curb and gutteri is not required. Mr. Knight stated that the plan are easements, so they would not be curb and gutter. Mr. Knight stated that they have al lot ofsuccess in Meriwether County and believes that iti is due to houses becoming unaffordable, and al lot of people are willing to move out and commute to work and also people are working from home. Mr. Knight stated that if they have to puti int the streets and do curb and gutter, it will make thel houses just as expensive as they are: in Coweta County. Chairman King asked how many acres of1 land the development was. Mr. Knight stated that they purchased 30 acres. Chairman King stated with 30 acres and 101 lots, how does Mr. Knight propose getting 2 acre lots with the road and right of way required. Mr. Knight stated that he is going to try and get 101 lots, and the lots would vary. Mr. Knight stated that they stopped on the preliminary design due to approval being needed. Chairman King stated that ifthis is allowable now, why wouldn't hej just do that? Mr. Knight stated that he can utilize the easements but belieyes with the change it could look al lot better. Mr. Knight stated that ifhe got the approval, he could make aj paved road on one ofthe plans, but the other would depend on the grading. Chairman King asked Mr. Knight's address. Mr. Knight stated he lived at 104 Peppertree Drive  stated that he would love the opportunity to work with Meriwether County.  2. John Knight - Chisel Mill    in] Newnan, GA. Chairman King stated, "so you don't livei in Meriwether County." Mr. Knight stated that he did not livei in Meriwether County, but his parents had lived in Meriwether County on Callaway Road Chairman King stated that he didn't know about the rest of the Board, but a development had just been developed in Alvaton, and he was made to do curb and gutter. Chairman King stated that he would hate to change it and the gentleman before was made toj puti in curb and gutter. Mr. Knight asked how big Chairman King stated that by adding curb and gutter, before any ofthe subdivisions start to come into the County, he doesn't want Meriwether County to look like. Jonesboro or Fayetteville with house to house. Chairman King stated that ift the developers were to come in and spend the money on curb and gutter, it would be more appealing and be al better tax base for Meriwether County. Chairman King stated that he wanted tol be able to see, greenery with ac country flare. Mr. Knight stated he also likes the country feeling and would not be building the homes close together. Mr. Knight stated that ifa change were to be made to an ordinance, where you could plat more than 5 acres, maybet thel house specifications could be changed, going toi requiring 1,500 sq. ft. minimum rather than 1,375.1 Mr. Knight stated they also use vinyl siding on al lot ofhomes inl Meriwether County, and perhaps the stipulations be that there is no vinyl siding allowed, and the homes have to be 1,500 sq. ft. Mr. Knight stated that you can put better product on the ground, but ifthey put a curb and gutter it wouldn't make the neighborhood look any better. Chairman King stated that the common denominator isi ifcurb and gutter is put in, it costs Mr. Knight more money, and on the other hand, there is al lot more grading required for the other concept. Chairman King stated that thei issue is that once the developer leaves, the roads become the responsibility oft the County and the ditches grow up and have tol be cleaned out and maintained by the County. Mr. Knight asked ift the County would alsol have to maintain the curb and gutter and the detention pond. County Attorney Lee stated that the County doesn'tr maintain detention ponds and that iti is only on HOA property. Mr. Knight stated that there is al lot ofl land for sale ini the County that there is not much opportunity, and this could open the door fora a lot of landowners, where development is not an option. Mr. Knight stated that he feels that 2 acres is still a large lot and still gives them a country vibe. Mr. Knight stated that the houses would be tucked behind the woods. Mr. Knight stated that they are trying to put it together for the Board to vote on: next month. Mr. Knight stated that they have been holding onto the property since October and feels that Meriwether County is in an even better position to offer something better than what is being offered right now. Commissioner Collins stated he felt the curb and gutter would look better and look more desirable. Commissioner Collins stated that he would be willing to pay more: for curb and gutter. Mr. Knight stated they bought the property for $400,000 and with the development thati is planned, they expect it to cost another $400,000, meaning it will be $800,000, which is $80,000 per lot. Mr. Knight stated that ift they put in the curb and gutter it would be at $100,000 per lot and they couldn'tmake that work. Mr. Knight asked Commissioner Collins what he liked better about curb and gutter. Commissioner Collins stated thati it looks cleaner and is easier to upkeep. Mr. Knight asked what the purpose was for curb and gutter, because there would be a detention pond with curb and gutter, and they weren't the best looking. Vice Chairman Worsley stated the main purpose is for controlled growth. Vice Chairman Worsley stated the County is going to grow, and we are going to control it by what comes in and what is going to be left after the developers leave. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that we can open up the County to just have a flood of growth without restrictions, or we can control it to maintain the integrity of the County and what the citizens want. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that right now that is the path thel Board is taking, and they are open tol hearing resolutions, opportunities, and changes at any time. Vice Chairman Worsley stated it would be at the discretion of the Board, based on what the constituents tell them they want to see. Mr. Knight stated that everything he has been hearing is that curb and gutter are: for water drainage. Chairman King stated that it is more than just water drainage andi is for ar more appealing look, and with curb and gutter, the County is not maintaining the detention ponds. Chairman King stated that with open ditches, ifthe homeowners don't clean out the ditches, it becomes the County's responsibility. Chairman King stated that as Vice Chairman Worsley was saying, he would use the word managed growth. Chairman King stated this was all done before they came on board. Chairman King stated that he doesn't want to waive a good-looking subdivision, tol help someone, when iti is about profit. Chairman King asked what they would tell the gentleman in Alvaton that came in and spent the money to put in curb and gutter. Mr. Knights stated that it is not all about the cost, but felt they could deliver a better product. Mr. Knight stated that he thought the open ditch looked  for several years, and he is familiar with the area.  those lots were. Chairman King stated 2-3 acres and there were 14 lots.    better. Chairman King asked what it cost to put the curb and gutter. Mr. Knight stated around $600,000, and it would include all the development, including the paving and grading for the road. Mr. Knight stated he would havet to look at it but without the curb and gutter, it would be around $800,000, and with the curb and gutter, it would be $1 million. Chairman King asked how much that would be per lot. Mr. Knight stated around $20,000, but you want to sell to make aj profit, so you: are. looking at $27,000. Mr. Knight stated he doesn't think you would get that as they are already getting high. Mr. Knight stated that developers can already do what they are: requesting in Meriwether County, iti is just ifyou want to builda newi road. Mr. Knight stated that the only difference is that they would be building a new road and there Mr. Nash wasi noti in attendance and Chairman King stated this could be moved to the next meeting. Finance Director Gorton presented the Board with the Bank Balances as of September 10, 2024, around 5:30 p.m. Director Gorton stated that, from a financial standpoint, all the bank balances are. holding steady, and the County looks good at finishing out the fiscal year. Director Gorton stated that the LOST, SPLOST, and' TSPLOST payments were received and are all running about average. Director Gorton stated that SPLOST has around $376,000 and there is a reimbursement check on its way to the bank for the SCBA reimbursement. Director Gorton stated the' TSPLOST balance is- $128,963.34, but with this month's allocation it will put the account back at a surplus. Director Gorton stated that roads that need to be graveled are, getting graveled and there is funding for that. Director Gorton stated that for FY24, ending on 9/30, he feels the County will bei financially stable. Chairman King asked about the audit of thel landfill. Director Gorton: stated that he would need to reach out to Bob Trammell because in the HOST Agreement he found there was very little language with no dollars or percentages. Director Gorton stated thati iti is his understanding that the. Agreement has been amended every two years  are already al Iot ofroads that the County is maintaining. 3. Leel Nash Bird's Eye View- Courthouse  VI. FINANCE REPORT  and he will need to reach out tol him for the latest version.  VII. DEPARTMENT HEADS None VIII. CITIZEN COMMENT None IX. MINUTES favor.  1. Amotion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Collins to accept the Minutes oft the August 27, 2024, 5:00 p.m., Special Called Meeting as presented. All were in 2. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins to accept the Minutes oft the. August 27, 2024, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley. All were ini favor.  X. PUBLICHEARING XI. APPOINTMENTS  None  1. A1 motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Collins to appoint Assistant County Administrator Blue Cole to the West Central GA Broadband Joint Development Authority AtI Large to fill a four-year term that will expire on April 17, 2028. All were in Chairman King stated that this is his District and that his appointment that was serving previously will not be able to continue. Chairman King asked that this be tabled to the next meeting. An motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley to table the Appointment tol DFACS, District1,to fill a five-year term that will expire on. June 30, 2029, to the next meeting. The motion was seconded  favor. 2.  by Commissioner Collins. All were ini favor.    XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Salary Employee Pay Scale  Financel Director Gorton stated this was tabled from the August meeting. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that her reached out to the other twol Board members separately and they both wanted to move forward. Director Gorton statedi that thel Pay Scalel being presented is a 3% pay scale, which is what all other employees are on, and the only difference is the salaried employees are designated with the letter S. Director Gorton stated this will put all employees throughout the County ona a 3% step pay scale. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift this was in: alignment with what was already done for the other employees earlier int the year. Director Gorton: stated that it was and would put all employees on a 3% step pay scale. Director Gorton stated that staffi recommends approval oft the 3% step pay scale. Vice Chairman Worsley stated he doesn't see any discrepancies in what has been reviewed int thej past. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley made ai motion to approve the 3% step: salary pay scale. The motion was Finance Director Gorton stated that the birds' eye view had been completed and there are pictures attached with the: action paper. Director Gorton stated that staffr recommendation would be to: reject the two outstanding bids for1 the courthouse and allows stafftor request aj proposal for engineering services to get ai full spectrum of damage at1 the Courthouse.. A motion was made by Vice Chairman' Worsley to rejectt thet two bids for the Courthouse roof and approve stafft to move: forward with the Request for Proposal for Engineering Services to determine thei root cause of damage. The motion was seconded by Director Gorton: stated that thet roads selected at first were ini need ofFDR and notj just patching. Director Gorton: stated that Mr. Gay recommended putting thosei roads on1 thel LMIGI list for FDR and for staffto select roads that needed patching, but not to the level ofFDR. Chairman King stated that if the roads that werel looked at are going toi require full depth reclamation, then instead of spending that type of money, move them toi full depth reclamation. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift the Board could get al list oft the original roads that were on1 thel list, because there were: multiple roads listed, and he had noi idea which roads. County Clerk Stephens stated that Mr. Cawthorne had worked on that list and would see ifshe could provide that to thel Board. Chairman Kings stated he thought it was for road patching for the potholes and bad areas. Chairman Kings stated thei roads that he went out and looked at were moret than just patching and based on the price pert ton, it would bet too much. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that County staffi is going out and patching roads and areas as they arise and one oft the reasons this was initiated over aj year ago was to contract this out and: free up the stafft to do other things that needed to be done. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that at the time Public Works was understaffed. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that the scope ofthe work may need tol be drawn in as they were not looking for al long- term fixt tot the road patching, but toi maintain safe travel until we could get tot the level to do proper repairs. Vice Chairman Worsley stated these companies could still do thej patchwork that County staffis goingt to dos sot that County staff can go and finish with dirt roads, ditches, culverts, and drainpipes. Vice Chairman' Worsley stated that it was good information to understand that some oft the roads are too far gone: forj just patching. However, hei feels that the companies can go out and fill in aj pothole that could blow out someone's car tire. Commissioner Collins stated that he feels there needs tol be acrew designated that does nothing but the patching because what you! have nowi is, twoi may be patching this week and next week a different two patching. Commissioner Collins stated that they are: not doing it properly because ifit was done properly, it would last awhile. Commissioner Collins suggested establishing a crew that does nothing but patching when iti is dry enough. Commissioner Collins stated that Public Works has al machine at the facility that was purchased, made toj patch roads, and it hasn't been used ini two years. Commissioner Collins stated he has asked about it since he came onto thel Board. Commissioner Collins stated iti is brand new and: still sitting, under the: shed at Public Works. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that staff! has an operational plan to add aj patching crewi in the upcoming fiscal year. Asst.. Administrator Cole: stated that they willl be bringing training opportunities to thel Board very soon about using the patcher. Asst. Administrator Cole: stated that he and staff have been in contact with acouple of companies that can help get thej patcher running, get the tack tank cleaned out, tol have thé emulsion on site. Chairman! King asked ifai new crewl had been discussed and added in the upcoming  seconded by Commissioner Collins. All werei in favor.  2.  Update on Courthouse  Commissioner Collins.. All were ini favor. 3. Update on Road Patching    budget. Finance Director Gorton stated that it had not been discussed to add a specific patching crew, however it had been discussed to add additional personnel. Chairman King stated that he is not knocking any employee, but when talking tot the crews when they are out patching al hole, and asks them where their blower is, and they say, "well we don't have one today." Chairman King stated that the holes have to be cleaned out and everything blown out of thel holes. Chairman King stated where is the tool to chop it up, instead ofjust going out and shoveling some asphalt in it and going to the next hole while you are texting. your buddy about hunting the weekend. Chairman King stated that is not getting the holes patched and done right. Commissioner Collins stated there is ai new tank sitting in the yard at Public Works, but there is also an old tank behind the shop that looks like it used to have tar in it. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that the old tank is rusted out and leaking and not useable. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that the tank could be put on the next surplus list. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that the reason this was brought up was because our staff was shorthanded, had turnover, not trained to do everything, which is not necessarily their fault. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that this was the reason behind seeking professional help for the certain things in the County, with the road patching being the first one. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that motor graders were purchased, and staff was trained. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that there have been al lot of good ideas and moving in the right direction and to have a designated patching crewi is a fantastic but idea, but he doesn't want to wait until next year to start getting these things done. Chairman King stated that the Public Works crews need all the necessary tools on their County Clerk Stephens explained that at thel last meeting, Mr. Gay discussed with the Board that numerous bids were received for the culverts. County Clerk Stephens stated that there were three culverts and onel bridge, and the bridge was awarded at the last meeting. Clerk Stephens stated that staff had still been reviewing the bid documents and there were some questions and issues with compliance and specifications in the bid package. Mr. Gay is still waiting for ai response from one of the contractors to be certain that they understand what is required on one ofthe projects. Clerk Stephens stated that staff will complete the review once ai response is received and plan on making ai recommendation at the next meeting. Vice Chairman Worsley asked why it was being entertained to wait for a contractor to make sure he understands what he is doing and asked if we could move on and eliminate them from the list. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that we couldn't because the reason iti is being reviewed is to make sure all bidders are bidding on the same item and based on the information in the bid, staff did: not think they understood that and wanted to make sure that they were clear because the bid was quite a bit lower than some of the others. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that in this case there needed to be a concrete apron Asst. Administrator Cole stated yes. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that we told them what we wanted, and they quoted what we asked for, and now we are questioning them on what they bid on. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that it is better to clarify than move and have to come back later and adjust. Vice Chairman Worsley stated thati ifthe company was given clear instructions and no response in two  trucks. 4.  Update on 2024 Culvert epairRepacemems-IRA  under the pipe. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift this was listed in the request.  weeks, then he feels we should move on. XIII. NEW: BUSINESS & Sewerage Authority  1. Larry Dunaway- Discussion ofthe FY 2024-2025 Budget Meriwether County Water Mr. Dunaway stated that every year the Water and Sewer Authority presents the operational budget to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Dunaway stated this is int their IGA with the County and allows them to use. .25 cents per ton of the tipping fees that they receive, to augment the Water and Sewer. Authority's Operational account. Mr. Dunaway stated that the budget is not tremendous and is $317,000 fort the year. Mr. Dunaway stated the way the Authority is funded is totally through the tipping fees from the landfill. Mr. Dunaway stated the Water and Sewer. Authority doesn't spend any property tax money on the water and sewer in thei industrial park. Mr. Dunaway stated that the only change that was made is that they do have an 0&M contractor that does operations and maintenance on their system, which frees Barry back up to use his time for Public Works. Mr. Dunaway stated that at the present time, Barry has answereda few phone calls from the new contractor to answer any questions, and so far, that is working out very well. Mr. Dunaway stated that the Operational account balancei is around $140,000, the Capital Expense    account is around $7,000, and the Debt Service account is around $7,000. Mr. Dunaway stated those are the three accounts they maintain, and the Debt Service account is money that the Authority puts in to pay the Authority's debt, and their bond payment. Mr. Dunaway stated the bond payment is paid monthly in the amount of $57,000. Mr. Dunaway stated the bond repayments have been made for 16 years to date and will be paid offi in 2040. Mr. Dunaway stated that he was at the last Board meeting when the rezoning request came up for thei industrial park. Mr. Dunaway stated that in the original planning oft the industrial park, there was a phase 2 that would consist of a road that would go from Meriwether Park Drive, and parallel the interstate up to Sewell Road. Mr. Dunaway stated that would open up a whole other areai for thei industrial park. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley to accept and approve the Meriwether County Water and Sewerage Authority Budget for FY 2024-2025 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Collins. All were in favor. 2. Request for funding from Meriwether County IDA for FY 2024-2025 Finance Director Gorton stated that in the Board's packet, there is ai request from the Meriwether County IDA for funding of $300,000 for FY: 2024-2025, to be allocated at $25,000 per month for the operating budget. Vice Chairman Worsley asked what the $25,000 per month was used for. Finance Director Gorton: stated it was used to fund their Operating and Maintenance budget. Chairman King stated that if you look into their operating budget, they have $50,000 dollars allocated for building maintenance and repairs. However, they are: in the. Administrative Building and never have any building or maintenance repairs. Chairman King stated he looked into it, and they are sitting there now with around $800,000 dollars int their accounts. Chairman King stated he knows that $300,000 is dedicated to KB, and the County is giving $300,000. That would be $600,000 from the County. Chairman King stated that he personally feels that no more than $100,000 dollars should go to the IDA at this time, and if there isa reason or need to look at it, such as a company coming in, that money could be set back for the courthouse and other things that need tol be worked on. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that some oft the other commitments for the IDA would bet the. Access Drive that is out for bid currently. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that he does know from speaking with Ms. Jane, that most oft that $800,000 is committed to KB, it's change orders and the. Access Drive.. Asst. Administrator Cole stated thel IDA does have the money, but it is dedicated to other projects and uses. Chairman King asked about the change orders. Asst.. Administrator Cole stated these were: for change orders that the Board had already approved, such as the waterline, Geotech, and feels the IDA may have agreed to absorb some oft those. Chairman King stated that the whole amount was not dedicated. Asst.. Administrator Cole stated that he doesn't know the exact amount but wanted thel Board to know that ai majority ofthe $800,000 is committed.. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Collins to approve $10,000 a month, at total of $120,000 annually for the Meriwether County IDA forFY 2024- 2025. All werei in favor. Vice Chairman Worsley stated the IDA can come back, as issues come up, because they never have anything that's under that amount anyway, and the Board has to give extra money every time aj project comes up. Chairman King stated that it leaves time for whatever projects the IDA has coming up to bring the balance down. Chairman King stated this will get more control or understanding of what is left, where iti is going, and what it is needed for, instead ofl keep giving money toan authority to sit there. Chairman King stated that the County needs the money right now and ifitis needed later, thel Board is willing to do that, but it needs to be justified, and the Board will know about it. 3. Request for funding from Meriwether County Airport Authority for FY 2024-2025Mr. Alfred "Buster" McCoy ofthel Meriwether County Airport Authority thanked Tammy and. John for the work they had done on the Airport's budget. Mr. McCoy stated that the expenditures are shown on the top which is right over $200,000 dollars. Mr. McCoy stated the: source ofincome and what is anticipated is also listed. Mr. McCoy stated this is what is being submitted for the budget for FY: 2024-2025. Mr. McCoy stated the. Airport Authority has things that are pushed down to them and there is no critical path that they can come and present to the Board to get certain items done. Mr. McCoy stated that they do take advantage when the money is presented to do projects. Mr. McCoy stated there is a letter in the packet from the Chair, requesting additional money. Mr. McCoy stated that when in the next year, that willl be necessary, is unknown, but aiming for the next fiscal year. Mr. McCoy stated the lighting at the airport is somewhat ofal Frankenstein system where the runway was added to Mr. McCoy stated that iti is ) time for an upgrade toi the lighting system because it isas safety factor that can create liability ift the lights are not where they need tol be. Mr. McCoy stated that the Airport is requesting roughly $200,000 dollars, which would be their share. Mr. McCoy stated that itl has been presented to the Airport Authority from    GDOT Aviation and thel FAA for funding toi replace the lights at the airport. Mr. McCoy stated that for the airport this means that it could take care of several safety violations and gives the airport around a 50% reduction in the electricity that is being spent at the airport. Mr. McCoy states that the proposed system is an) LED: system that will tremendously cut down the amp draw. Mr. McCoy stated hei is presenting the budget as well as the request that is being mandated and pushed down for next year. Chairman King asked what the loan payment for McCoy Grading was int the amount of $69,061. Finance Director Gorton: stated that it is for the IGA they entered into with the County for a loan payment. Chairman King asked if the County was still subsidizing the airport. Finance Director Gorton states the money they are receiving is listed on the revenue side of the report, with an offsetting expense for the same amount showing the airport is paying and being able to record principal interest on their books. Chairman King asked how much the County was paying monthly. Director Gorton stated the amount was al little over $9,000. Vice Chairman Worsley asked how much the airport had ini its bank balance. Director Gorton stated there was a little over $50,000. There was discussion regarding the recent updates and lighting. Chairman King asked ift the airport wanted to update the entire lighting system. Mr. McCoy stated that iti is not the wish of the Airport Authority, it is the FAA saying that the lights need to be updated and giving the money for that. Mr. McCoy stated that they will provide 75% of the funding and the Airport Authority is responsible for 25% oft the funding. County Attorney Nathan Lee stated that the FAA gives' "X" amount ofdoilars as grant assurances and there is no leeway, and it has to be spent exactly the way they tell you. Attorney Lee stated airports are: funded by federal dollars and what they are saying is they will continue to give you the money, but only on those conditions. Chairman King asked ift this was something the airport asked: for or had they come to them. Mr. McCoy stated that they came toi them and the Airport Authority did not go to the FAA or GDOT Aviation. Mr. Mike Watson, Chairman ofthe. Airport Authority, stated that the system that they have now, the older part, is over 20 years old. Mr. Watson stated that the shelfl life of those lights are 18-20 years, and they are well over that. Mr. Watson stated that thel FAA and GDOT Aviation come down and do inspections, and they have taken somel hits on things not working and have to call TCA to repair them. Mr. Watson stated that GDOT came tot them and offered money that is 75% GDOT funded and 25%1 the responsibility oft the Airport. Mr. Watson stated that the moneyi is to make an entire new system all the way around that will be good for thei next 20 years. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift they knew when the project would be done. Mr. McCoy stated that sometime in 2025, but not sure of the exact date. Mr. McCoy stated that they would need a commitment from the Board because they cannot go back and ask for the money later. Chairman King stated that what he is looking ati is a commitment of $200,000 for the lights, $65,000 for the entrance, and the County is still shelling out $111,000 a year. Commissioner Collins stated there was only one resident ofMeriwether County that stores their plane there. Commissioner Collins then asked Mr. McCoy how: many residents of Meriwether County store their planes there. Mr. McCoy stated that he couldn't give him that number because he had not looked at the list lately. Commissioner Collins stated that they are shelling all this money out to the airport, and it is not benefiting the citizens ofMeriwether County. Mr. McCoy stated the airport will always be owned by the citizens of the Comty.Commissioner: Collins stated that all residents don't use the airport. Mr. McCoy stated that is true.. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that tax revenue is being collected on the planes that are there. Finance Director Gorton stated that $14,750 is the estimated tax revenue for 2025: for the planes that are at the airport. Commissioner Collins asked ifthe money wasn't accepted now, ifthey would ever get the opportunity again. Commissioner Collins also asked ifanybody called GDOT to see how much funding they can get for the lights. Nobody applies for that. That's not what Phil does? County Attorney Lee stated that there isa process with the FAA where they base their funding for every airport in the nation. County Attorney Lee stated that it was not a negotiation, and the federal government decides what they will give. County Attorney Lee stated that nobody would have a general aviation airport if the federal government didn't give them money, because oft the costs ofrunning them. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that speaking for thel Board int theory, he felt that the Board would be ini favor oftaking advantage of an opportunity to get a$1 million dollar project for $200,000i if they can on something that needs to be done in the near future. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift the funds needed to be relinquished now or does the Airport Authority just need a commitment that the County will match the 25% during this fiscal year when it becomes available. Mr. McCoy stated that the Airport Authority needed a commitment and that there is alsoa liability to keep thel lights at the airport burning. Mr. McCoy stated that that liability would fall on the County. Discussion continued. Chairman King asked what it will take or when the airport will sustain    itself and would the County continue toj pay the $111,000 aj year fort the entire term ofthel loan. Mr. McCoy stated that al lot ofthat will depend on vendors and growth at the airport. Chairman King stated that the County got] put int the position because of all the misunderstandings, andl hel knows since he has come onto thel Board, they have given the airport $300,0001 that they don't have to pay back. Mr. McCoy stated that al lot ofthat was due to al lawsuit that pushed them back. Commissioner Collins stated thati if someone has al lawsuit against you, there can't be any funding. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that it does need to be evaluated on what the airport brings toi the citizens, and they need to see and understand it. Vice Chairman Worsley stated at this time the County is spending roughly $200,000 ayear with no return, just tol have al Meriwether Roosevelt Airport open forl historical purposes and sentimental value. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that the County is only getting around $15,000 ofr revenue back, andi itis costing them $262,0001 toi fund and support it, plus all thei infrastructure. Vice Chairman Worsley asked when it loses its value, because ifMeriwether was al larger county that could be absorbed. Vice Chairman Worsley statedi int the type ofeconomy and network we. livei in, that is al big chunk. Vice Chairman Worsley statedi it costs over $200,000 a year, just to say we. have an airport. Vice Chairman Worsley made: ar motion to approve the commitment of25% oft the runway lighting for FY: 2024-2025. Commissioner Collins stated that he doesn't want to approve it, buti iti is a safety issue. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that ifthe airport is going tol be open, this has tol happen sooner rather than later. Commissioner Collins seconded thei motion. All werei in favor. Chairman Kings stated that he would like to mention thati it should take care oft the lights. The entrance was approved. and way too muchi money was spent on1 thel hangars. Chairman King stated that while he is on thel Board, he doesn't see himself spending any more money out there, until the airport'is bringingi in more revenue to sustain itself. County Attorney Lee recommended setting ai nott to exceed number. Vice Chairman Worsley made an amendment tol his motion to approve the commitment of25%, not to exceed $250,000 dollars fort the runway lighting for FY2 2024-2025. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion. All were ini favor. Request for funding. - Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce- Tourism for FY 2024- Finance Director Gorton: stated this is ar request fort tourism for $20,000. A motion was made by Vice Chairman' Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Collins to approve $20,000 in funding for the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce for Tourism, FY 2024-2025. All were in favor. 5. Request for per diem increase from Meriwether County Tax Assessor Board for FY 2024- Commissioner Collins made ar motion toi increase thej per diem for thel Meriwether County Tax Assessor Board from $50t to $75. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that he would like tol know the reason for the request for thei increase. ChiefTax Appraiser William Harris stated the Board presented this tol him and asked him toj present it to thel Board of Commissioners. Mr. Harris stated he hasn't polled other counties and has nothing left to add. Vice Chairman Worsley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously to approve thei increase of per diem from $50 to $75 per meeting for the Meriwether Request for additional Personnel from Departments for FY 2024-2025 Financel Director Gorton stated there werei two departments requesting additional personnel. The Tax Commissioners Office is requesting one additional Tax and' Tag Clerk due to the growth in the County and aiding in revenue collection. Director Gorton stated thisi is not al budgeted position and there would have to be al budget amendment made. Chairman King asked ift they were busy and having to do overtime now. Tax Commissioner DeAnn Cruse stated that iti is not right now. However, this is a slow time ofy year, but from October to. June, they are extremely busy. Tax Commissioner Cruse stated that in order tol keep customer service ati the point they liket tol have it, keeping waiting times down, shei is requesting an additional clerk. Vice Chairman Worsley askedi ift this would be full-time. Tax Commissioner Cruse stated it would be. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift that was represented in the budget. Finance Director Gorton stated thati it was not. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ift there was a budgeted amount. Director Gorton stated it would be 15 dollars per hour. Chairman King asked when the slow time rolls back around, ifthey wouldj just have an additionai employee. Tax Commissioner Cruse stated that it would be beneficial ifs someone wanted toi take a day or week off. Tax Commissioner Cruse stated that right now, when someone is out and they are down aj person, it becomes difficult, and even though this is as slow time, they are stilll busy thel latter part ofthe day. Chairman King asked that, since it was not aj part ofthe budget, could this be brought back?. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley  4. 2025  2025  County" Tax Assessor Board: for FY 2024-2025.  6.    tot tablet this tot thei next meeting on September 24, 2024. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Finance Director Gorton stated that the' Tax Assessors Office is requesting an additional employee.. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins not to add any additional personnel at the' Tax Assessors' Office at this time. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that he needed to read what they are asking for. Finance Director Gorton stated that they are: requesting an additional full-time. Appraiser 1. Commissioner Collins stated that David Noles is still working there, and he doesn't see that they need any additional personnel. Vice Chairman Worsley seconded Commissioner Collins' motion not to add Finance Director Gorton stated that in ordert toi identify an area of improvement: in the Finance Department, Finance is asking to reclassify an Accounting Clerk II position to a Senior Accountant position.. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and seconded by' Vice Chairman Worsley to reclassify the Accounting Clerk II position to a Senior. Accountant position. All were in favor. Set Public Hearing for September. 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Discussion of] FY2024-2025 Finance Director Gorton stated thati iti is required by law to set al Public Hearing for the upcoming FY 2024-2025 budget. Staffrecommends thel Public Hearing bel held on September 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Chairman! King asked what the deadline is for the budget. Finance Director Gorton stated that the date is September 30th, and it has tol be advertised one week prior. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins to set thel Public Hearing for September 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for discussion ofthel FY 2024-2025 Meriwether County Budget. The motion was: seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley. All were in favor. Agenda. Amended to Add- Consideration ofIGA with the Town ofLone Oak for tax Financel Director Gorton stated that the Town ofl Lone Oak has submitted an IGA requesting that the Meriwether County Tax Commissioner collect taxes for the Town ofLone Oak. Finance Director Gorton stated that' Tax Commissioner Cruse stated that the volume ofthe additional work, would not create a significant impact to their current workload. Director Gorton: stated that staffrecommended approval. However, the' Town ofLone Oak has still not executed the Fire Station Lease that was submitted over a year ago. Director Gorton stated that thel IGA forl Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Permitting was approved contingent on the Town ofLone Oak sending int the Fire. Agreement and that still has not been done, but the' Townl has sent over the IGA for thel Inspections, Code Enforcement and Permitting. Vice Chairman Worsley made ai motion to enter into the IGA with the Town ofLone Oak for tax collection, but it must coincide with their signature on thel Firel Lease and allow the Chair to sign. The motion was Vice Chairman Worsley lef the Meeting at. 12:25p.m., before the Report from County. Administrator,  Collins.. All werei in favor.  any additional personnel at1 the Tax Assessors' Office.. All werei in favor.  7.  Meriwether County Budget  8. collection  seconded by Commissioner Collins. All were ini favor.  leaving no quorum.  XIV. REPORT FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR  Vice Chairman Worsley left the meeting at 12:25 p.m. before the report, leaving no quorum. Finance Director Gorton: stated1 that he attended the Water and Sewer Authority Meeting and the Airport Authority Budget Meeting. The advertisement fort the request for bids for thel Public Works Surplus will run on September 12th and September 19th and willl be opened on September 26th. Director Gorton stated hel has spoken withl Robert Hill at the State Properties Commission regarding DFACS and will be following up ont thei items he ist requesting. Director Gorton stated that Mr. Hill is requesting a CAD drawing oft the building, with an architectural design. TSPLOST presentations are ongoing, and Asst. Administrator Cole did an outstandingj job presentingi in Gay, with several more scheduled. Director Gorton stated that they are waiting for a larger pipet to replace at 1325 Findley Cato Road. Director Gorton: stated that they had ai meeting with USDA to discuss funding for building improvements and the process to apply for them. Director Gorton stated that grass cutting at 16: fire stations has been quoted and approved, andi the company is looking at the 13th or 14th unless it rains, then it will be the 17th and 18th. Director Gorton stated that the check for the fire engine claim should be arriving any day and Chief    Stephens spoke with them and was given an estimate of around $375,000 to replace the engine. Director Gorton stated that the AED cabinets have arrived and been tagged andi identified and should be going up within the next two weeks. Director Gorton stated that the. Jail Plumbing and. Jail Locks and Doors  should started the week of September 23rd. Commissioner Emmett Collins Commissioner Collins had no report. Chairman Genel King  XV. REPORT FROM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  Chairman King stated he would like to wish Commissioner Plant a speedy recovery. Chairman King thanked everyone for what they had been doing and appreciated the staff for stepping up.  XVI. REPORT FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY County Attorney Nathan Lee had no report. XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION  The Executive Session was moved before Presentations See Under Adopt Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley to go into Executive Session to discuss Real Estate, Personnel, and Litigation at 9:02 a.m. All were in favor. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley to come out of the Executive Session at 10:42 a.m. All were in favor. A motion was made by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley to go back into Regular Session at 10:46 a.m. All were in favor.  XVIIL.FUTURE MEETINGS & NOTICES XIX. ADJOURNMENT With no quorum present, the meeting ended.  Approved! by: Attest: Date:  Maionly Vole 0f Hhe boad O Conmissiorrs WAot &. Atupheno Counly Clerk  Dbloer 7 2074