Tift County commission approves ambulance purchases, reallocates $391,975 in ARPA funds and backs higher hotel-motel tax

TIFT COUNTY — At its regular meeting on Aug. 11, the Tift County Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda that included major equipment purchases for emergency services, the reallocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to recreation projects and a resolution asking the state legislature to raise the hotel/motel tax in unincorporated Tift County.

Commissioner Paul Webb moved to approve the consent agenda; Commissioner Tyler Riddle seconded. The motion was recorded as carrying 5-0 with the chairman voting. The board did not separate any items for discussion before the vote.

The consent agenda approved two Georgia Power easements for extending power lines to a new maintenance building at EB Hamilton (Tax IDs 0033 008 and 0033 007). It also authorized the purchase of two ambulances from Frazer for a combined cost of $858,636 (bid price, minus delivery and inspection fees) and two chassis from Griffin Ford for $132,300. The packet notes those purchases will be funded from the General Fund and SPLOST VI.

The board authorized staff to submit a pre-application to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for a Hazard Mitigation Grant to buy a generator for the Recreation and Public Works buildings and authorized the chairman to execute the required maintenance agreement, the 10% match requirement letter and any other application documents needed.

Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2025-18, designating a vehicle as surplus, and voted to re-obligate $391,975 of ARPA funds previously earmarked for demolition to recreation capital improvement projects. The consent agenda also included approval of Resolution No. 2025-17, which asks the General Assembly to adopt local legislation increasing the hotel/motel tax collected in unincorporated Tift County from 5% to 7%.

Finally, the board approved a retail malt beverage package and retail wine package license applied for by FNU Quratulain for Chula Texaco, located at 104 Chula Brookfield Road.

There was no separate discussion recorded on these consent items during the meeting. With no further business on the regular agenda, Commissioners adjourned the meeting following a motion by Commissioner Melissa Hughes and a second by Commissioner Greg Wood; that motion also carried 5-0 with the chairman voting.