The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners convened Monday, April 19, at 6 p.m. at the John C. Coleman Hotel for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Calling the meeting to order, Chairman Jim Sherrod welcomed all before calling up Commissioner Desse Davis to lead the invocation and Vice Chairman Hugh Foskey to lead in the pledge of allegiance. Minutes from the March 15 regular meeting and April 15 workshop meeting were then reviewed and approved as presented.
In reference to new business
Board members entertained discussion on county auditor options. A proposal to enter into contract with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC for county auditing services was suggested, stating that the company only focuses on auditing services. Following discussion, board members voted unanimously to hire Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC to serve as county auditor.
Commissioners approved to re-enter into the school resource officer agreement with Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office for on-campus services provided by deputies at Swainsboro, Twin City, and Stillmore school locations. Present for discussion were Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer and Major Nick Robertson. This is agreement contract is reviewed for approval on an annual basis.
Singletary addressed board members with a District Attorney Resolution. He advised that the resolution is a result of counties within the state of Georgia, none being in our judicial circuit, not paying correct funding for retirement benefits of district attorney office employees. It was further stated that the adoption of this resolution by counties is being made state requirement and will have no impact on Emanuel County’s budget. Motioning for approval of said agreement was Commissioner James Canady. Vice Chairman Hugh Foskey seconded, and all remaining commissioners voted unanimously.
Commissioners approved to enter into a radio consultant agreement for public works communications. Discussion of this agreement began approximately five years ago regarding the county’s 9-1-1 radio system used by public safety officials. Comments and concerns were heard from Sheriff Brewer, Emanuel County 9-1-1 Director Martha Culbreth, Emanuel County EMS Director Courtney Terwilliger, and Emanuel County Fire Chief Nick Ivey, who all urged the commissioners to expedite the process, if all possible. Singletary advised of the upgrade being a very expensive but much needed project. He further advised that the agreement will consist of three phases: an exploratory phase to interview and inspect the needs of participating agencies, a comprehensive report compiling coverage reports and system suggestions, and a final proposal of systems suggested best suitable for the county’s use. He then proposed a submitted bid of $34,386 from Tusa Consulting Services. This price includes the completion of phase one and was given an estimated 3-month completion date with an on-site kick-off meeting set for May 4 with county departments. Singletary advised that funding sources and future SPLOST funding would be allotted towards costs of this agreement. Commissioner James Canady motioned for approval to enter contract. Commissioner Davis seconded and all board members voted in favor.
Board members then entered into executive session.
