A 2018 voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax project made a long-awaited step forward this week, with a construction agreement award.Â
Approved by Gordon County voters over seven years ago, the plan for a multi-purpose Agricultural Center will now be in the hands of Calhoun-based Momon Construction -- the construction manager at risk chosen in 2019 after a bid process.Â
Commissioners approved a $4,433,146.96 construction agreement during their regular meeting Tuesday night, a project that could go higher if some alternate design options are added.Â
"There are some add alternates that we may or may not do," County Administrator Jim Ledbetter said.Â
Potential add-on options include $358,765 for a ticket booth and restrooms, and $118,000 for an upgraded septic system -- brining a potential total up to a maximum $4.9 million.Â
"That's higher than the amount advertised for the SPLOST in 2018," Ledbetter said, but added that those dollars have been invested in government-backed treasury funds earning around 5% interest for several years.Â
Other business
Also approved by the board were a pair of contract renewals for the Information Technology ÐÔÊӽ紫ý: A three-year renewal for Google Workspace at $60,003.32 using Fiscal Year 2026 funds at a $20,000 cost savings; and an annual $15,384.96 contract with Virtu Google Encryption for the Sheriff's Office with Daston Corporation.Â
A request from the Public Defenders Office was approved for their Fiscal Year 2026 Georgia Indigent Defense Service Agreement.Â
According to Ledbetter, the requests from both IT and the PDO are just a few of many unfunded mandates imposed on local governments by the State of Georgia.Â
Keith King was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Limestone Valley Resource, Conservation, and Development Council at a two-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2026.Â
Several items were approved to be deemed surplus for the Sheriff's Office, Fire and Rescue, and Fleet Management.
The old Ranger Community Center building was also deemed surplus, clearing the way for demolition ahead of the new construction replacement planned. Ahead of demolition, crews have been working to salvage as many materials as possible to be incorporated into the news facility, according to Ledbetter.Â
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board is set for Tuesday, July 15, at 6 p.m., in the Gordon County Judicial Building Assembly Room, 101 S. Piedmont St. All regular meetings are open to the public.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
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