Revenue from the previous SPLOST program in Henry County came in at approximately $19.8 million above projections, so the Board of Commissioners voted at its July 7 regular meeting to allocate the funds equally throughout the county, without committing to specific projects.
In broad terms, the money is to be divided six ways. That means $3.3 million would be utilized for countywide projects along with $3.3 million for each of the five commission districts.
County staff submitted a lengthy list of recommendations, the vast majority of which were road improvement projects with a couple of park projects also included. However, the motion that passed specified approval of the allocations only, not specific projects.
In other business, the board approved a contract for road repair and maintenance at a total cost of $2,424,502. That was the low bid submitted by Pittman Construction of Conyers.
A total of 12 roads and about 6.2 overall miles are slated for improvement under the contract, which is being funded via the state’s Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant along with 30 percent matching funds from the county’s DOT as well as SPLOST money designated for road resurfacing. Completion of the work is expected within 180 days after notice is given to proceed, with $247 per day in damage charges beyond that deadline.
The board approved a resolution regarding the receipt of $91,014 in federal funds through a contract with the Atlanta Regional Commission. The agreement is in effect from April 1 to Dec. 31 under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the domestic front by providing expanded nutrition assistance among other low-income and senior services. There is no required local match for the money, which will be used by Henry County Senior Services for home-delivery meals as well as congregate meals served in the county’s senior centers.
Also approved was a resolution accepting a $98,163 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the “COVID Officer Safety Initiative.” According to a county staff report, this funding will allow the Henry County Police Department to acquire new disinfecting equipment and protection kits to help prevent, prepare and respond to the public amid COVID-19, specifically at times when law enforcement personnel are in contact with the public and sometimes cannot distance themselves from potentially infected people. No additional county funds will be required for this initiative.
Two key members of the police force are retiring due to health concerns: Leroy and Lucas, a pair of Belgian Malinois dogs. The move was made official by a vote of the commissioners at the July 7 meeting.
The animals, both nine years of age, have served the community for six years with their main function involving drug detection, according to officials. A statement was issued by the Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic affirming that the animals are medically impaired and their service performance is sufficiently diminished to warrant their retirement. They will be leased to their HCPD handlers, Sgt. Kyle Ramsey and Sgt. Nick Jackson, at a cost of one dollar per year for ten years.
