Heard County to commission geological survey as quarry lease expires

Chairman Lee Boone told commissioners the county’s contract with Vulcan for the rock quarry is due to expire in October 2017 and that he has been contacted by at least one party interested in leasing the quarry. Boone said the first step is to commission a geological survey to determine the value of the mineral rights; after the survey, the county will decide whether to sell or lease the site.

The board agreed with that approach and directed Chairman Boone to proceed with the geological survey and to report back with options. The minutes do not record a formal motion for sale or lease; the action recorded is the decision to obtain the survey and to evaluate options once mineral value is established.

The meeting record does not include an estimated cost for the survey, proposed buyers/lessees, or a timeline for issuing a request for proposals; those details were not provided at the meeting and would require follow-up.