The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to spend $824,483 on the rehabilitation of two four-unit multi-family apartment buildings on George Street in Hampton under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The action came at the July 7 regular meeting. The sites were acquired last September by the county so they can eventually be made available as rental property to low-income households.

In other business, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Locust Grove to share in the cost of improvements to Locust Grove-Griffin Road, which the county is resurfacing under its SPLOST road improvement program. The city has agreed to contribute $226,585 toward the cost of the project.

The board approved a $458,954 contract with the Georgia Department of Human Services for transit services. According to a county staff report, the state agency provides transportation for eligible individuals to attend and participate in vital services such as Senior Services, counseling centers, DFACS offices and the Georgia Department of Labor.

The state will be contracting with Henry County Transit for the 2022 fiscal year to transport elderly and disabled people attending DHS programs in the county. This is a fee for service, so no matching county funds are required.

A three-year plan approved by the commissioners will allow for the lease/purchase acquisition of three new sweeper vehicles for the stormwater department at a total cost of $652,204. County officials said the purchase was necessary because the existing sweeper breaks down frequently, causing delays to needed work throughout the county.

The board approved utility relocation for a project on Scarborough Road at a cost of $13,213 as well as an amended agreement with one of its healthcare providers that will allow retired county employees to utilize the county’s wellness center.

Two grants were officially accepted by the board at the meeting. A $14,943 allocation from the Georgia Trauma Commission has been designated for the purchase of trauma equipment and emergency medical supplies to be used by the Henry County Fire Department. A $10,000 grant from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) will be used for safety supplies and equipment in efforts to reduce workers’ compensation claims involving county employees. Neither one requires matching county funds.