Coweta commissioners approve several contract amendments and accept federal cybersecurity grant

The Coweta County Board of Commissioners approved multiple infrastructure and service items at its March 3 meeting.

Madras Connector DBE requirement: Mr. Hanley told the board the original FS Scarborough contract included a federal requirement that 7% of the contract value be performed by firms certified as disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). He said U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highways guidance now recommends removing DBE requirements from contracts that were not approved before Oct. 3, 2025; the supplemental agreement before the board would remove the DBE requirement for Phase 1 of the Madras Connector project. "It originated with Federal Highways," Hanley said when asked about the source of the change. Commissioners approved the supplemental agreement.

Tommy Lee Cook Road amendment: For the Tommy Lee Cook project (District 3), Hanley explained that a crest vertical curve will be lowered to improve sight distance; staff proposed adding about 80 feet of curb and gutter and one concrete flume to keep all work inside existing right-of-way after a property owner became unresponsive to acquisition negotiations. The board approved the supplemental amendment to avoid condemnation and project delay.

Digitech EMS billing: Staff sought and received approval to amend the agreement with Digitech Computer LLC to extend EMS billing services for two years with three automatic one-year renewals thereafter to maintain continuity; commissioners asked whether escalation clauses existed and were told none were included.

Comcast internet for Fire Station 10: The board approved an agreement with Comcast Business to provide internet service for the new Fire Station 10 in Senoia; staff said the monthly cost will be approximately $2.58 and a one-time installation fee of $1,299.50, and recommended executing the agreement to ensure service at the new station.

Cybersecurity grant: Staff reported that through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Coweta County received $179,000 in federal funds passed through by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) with a required local match of $44,750, for a total grant award of $223,750 for FY2023. IT staff (Mr. Zinkin) said planned purchases include privileged access management, next-generation firewalls and attack-surface management tools to strengthen county cybersecurity. The board approved acceptance of the grant and a budget amendment to cover the local match.

All items were approved by voice vote without recorded opposition.