The county’s aquatic center will be open in early 2025, assuming no major delays, according to an update presented to the Henry County Board of Commissioners at its March 7 regular meeting.

Officials said planning is projected to conclude this month with construction bids being solicited in April. A notice to proceed will then be issued in July, with an 18-month timeline estimated to complete the project.

In other business, the board approved a resolution authorizing upgrades and additions to the Henry County E911 Center’s UPS and Generator critical power infrastructure at a cost of $962,229 to be funded through E911 fees. The upgrade will build in redundancies to existing infrastructure.

Also approved was a resolution authorizing upgrades to the P25 Public Safety Radio System. The system will be paid for using E911 fees and will cost $789,068. Officials said software updates are necessary in order to complete the upgrade, as these investments in the core backbone of the system are required.

The board awarded a $1,294,348 contract to Garland/DBS Inc. for the replacement of the roof at the Henry County Administration Building. This comes after excessive water intrusion caused by age and deterioration to the existing roof. It will be paid for using capital funding.

The county will accept additional funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA2) re-allocation for Henry County’s ERAP in the amount of $1,434,059, after a resolution in that regard was approved by the commissioners. These federal funds will be used to provide rental and utility assistance to residents.

The board approved a resolution approving the purchase of 22 Panasonic Toughbooks for the Henry County Police Department School Resource Officer Unit in the amount of $70,205 from CDW-G (Sourcewell contract). The Henry County Board of Education will reimburse the Henry County Police Department for costs associated with this purchase. According to the HCPD, the laptops are essential equipment and provide officers with timely access to critical information.

A resolution was approved authorizing an application to the Atlanta Regional Commission for a Livable Centers Initiative Grant for a Henry County Transit Planning Project in the amount of $100,000. This comes with a commitment to provide a required 20 percent local match. If the grant is awarded, it will be directed towards fixed-route local bus service.

Also approved was a supplemental agreement with Moffatt & Nichol in the amount of $45,688 for design work as part of the Hwy. 81 widening project. The funding will come from the District 1 and District 3 SPLOST V accounts. It covers tasks performed by the contractor beyond the initial scope of work.

A developer had a successful appeal granting relief from the constraints of the county’s multi-family moratorium. A Florida company sought the action for a 35.7-acre site on the south side of Mount Carmel Road, south of the intersection with North Bridges Road. The vote was 4-1 with Johnny Wilson in opposition and Dee Clemmons absent from the meeting.