Henry County is getting older.
That is one of the findings of a community needs assessment presented to the Board of Commissioners and approved at its December 15 regular meeting. The document was created to provide current and accurate information about “personal and infrastructural barriers that prevent residents from achieving economic stability, self-sufficiency and an acceptable quality of life.”
The study included a special emphasis on low-income senior citizens. The most recent census data indicates that there are 22,810 low-income residents in Henry County, with an estimated 1,808 of those being age 65 and older.
Officials said the county population has increased 5.85 percent in the past five years with the majority of that growth coming from people over the age of 55 moving in. A survey of local residents revealed that many of those new residents are older adults moving closer to adult children for assistance with care. The median age in the county has risen 2.5 percent according to the report.
In other business, 13 small businesses and 11 nonprofits impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic were approved for the latest round of financial assistance through the county’s Small Business Restart and Non-Profit Assistance Program. Upon recommendations from a committee formed to determine eligibility for funding, these organizations will receive the latest share of more than $5 million allocated by the commissioners in August for coronavirus relief.
The board approved the purchase of three new pieces of heavy equipment worth a combined amount of more than $160,000. The allocations included $34,002 for an excavator, $41,000 for a Genie Lift, and $89,482 for a trailer. All of the money for these purchases will come from the county’s capital funds account.
Also approved was an annual lease agreement with the Department of Family and Children Services for the use of county-owned property on Henry Parkway in McDonough. The 38,000-square-foot facility costs the state agency $34,051.82 per month or $408,621.84 for the year. The tenant agrees to pay all utilities for the building.
The board voted to reverse a previous decision by the county’s Zoning Advisory Board. A request by Martie Murphy of Thomaston for a variance from development standards for 1.386 acres on Hwy. 81 West had been denied by the ZAB. The applicant was seeking a reduction of front yard setback requirements in hopes of splitting an existing parcel. The commissioners voted unanimously to overturn the ZAB recommendation and approve the variance with two conditions.
The board voted to table a resolution with proposed revisions to the county’s wrecker service policy and bring the matter back at the January 6 meeting.
