Cusseta‑Chattahoochee managers trim line items, set RFP for solid‑waste services and approve budget amendments

County officials in Cusseta‑Chattahoochee moved to pare operating costs and sharpen budget estimates during a series of May work sessions, authorizing an RFP for solid‑waste services and approving vendor and mapping budget amendments while directing some maintenance items to SPLOST or capital accounts.

County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners at a May 14 budget work session that he would reduce contract services by $15,000 and correct solid‑waste revenue figures that had been overstated. Weaver said some line items earmarked for building upgrades should be shifted into SPLOST or capital budgets rather than maintenance to avoid depleting reserves.

At the May 28 work session, Weaver presented further line‑item scrutiny and told commissioners he would continue cuts to avoid drawing on reserves. The commission unanimously approved two budget amendments discussed at the May 28 meeting: an amendment to fund housing of prisoners in the Sheriff’s budget and an amendment for E911 mapping services (noted as Rysyliant mapping). Commissioners also directed staff to issue an RFP for solid‑waste services, with bid packets circulated to multiple vendors.

Operational updates included a near‑term shutoff notice for a mobile‑home park that had accrued nearly $15,000 in unpaid utility balances (staff agreed to allow time for a deposit to be posted), an on‑schedule splashpad opening and LMIG paving funding of approximately $155,000. County staff also reported installation of cameras at the recycling center to identify and prosecute illegal dumping.

Why it matters: The county is balancing service needs, capital maintenance and constrained revenues. Moving appropriate items to SPLOST or capital budgets and issuing an RFP for solid‑waste services are intended to improve fiscal clarity and competitive procurement. Budget amendments already approved affect near‑term operational funding for public safety (housing prisoners) and emergency‑services mapping.

What’s next: Staff will continue line‑item adjustments and report back to the commission. The solid‑waste RFP process will determine vendor options and costs; commissioners asked for continued oversight to avoid depleting reserves.