Board awards debris‑monitoring contract to Tetra Tech for declared disasters, 6–1

Dougherty County commissioners voted 6–1 on Feb. 17 to award a one‑year contract (with four one‑year renewal options) to Tetra Tech Inc. for debris monitoring and assistance with financial recovery after federally or state‑declared disasters.

County staff and the county attorney told commissioners the contract is intended to help the county document debris removal and related costs so the county can pursue reimbursement from FEMA and GEMA after declared disasters. Commissioners asked whether the language in the request for proposals limited the work to storm events only; staff and the county attorney said the contract purpose is for declared disasters broadly but that the contract’s language would be reviewed and clarified as needed.

A substitute motion to change scope was offered and then rescinded; the board returned to the original motion and approved it by a 6–1 vote. Commissioners said they would follow up with the county attorney and staff to confirm contract language and confirm the intended scope before execution.

The contract will not result in immediate expenditures unless a qualifying disaster occurs; contracting will be subject to county‑administrator acceptance and compliance with Georgia law for emergency contracts.