Commission trims budget line items, approves amendments and readies solid-waste RFP; splashpad and LMIG updates reported

County Manager Thomas Weaver presented budget adjustments during May 14 and May 28 work sessions and told commissioners he would trim contract services by $15,000 and correct solid-waste revenue figures as part of efforts to balance the FY budget.

Weaver said elected-official supplements and some line items would be reviewed and that maintenance items better suited for SPLOST or capital budgets should be shifted out of the general fund. Chairman Charles Coffey asked for follow-up details and the manager told commissioners he would provide line-item backup by email for questions.

On May 28 commissioners approved two budget amendments by unanimous vote: one for the sheriff’s department to cover housing of prisoners and another for E-911 to pay for mapping services (Rysyl iant mapping referenced in minutes). The board also instructed staff to issue an RFP for solid-waste services; Weaver said bid packets had been sent to about five companies.

Department updates provided during the May 28 session included an expected opening of the county splashpad, an LMIG grant allocation of roughly $155,000 for road work, continuing road maintenance (Smith & Patterson area) and a Barge sewer-grant letter of intent in preparation. Staff noted missing road signs and new cameras and enforcement at the recycling center to deter illegal dumping.

Commissioners emphasized they did not want to balance the budget by drawing on reserves and encouraged continued line-item cuts. The manager said the budget would be brought closer to balance and invited commissioners to call or email with questions.