Heard County commissioners approve $21,000 preparedness contract and purchase new ambulance

The Heard County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 28 unanimously approved several items intended to bolster emergency preparedness and county operations.

The board voted to accept a $21,000 contract proposed by Plans & More, LLP to install a floodplain management package, a debris management plan, a Safe Communities audit, GIS flood-area mapping and related software and training. Sharon Armstrong of Plans & More told the board the package (excluding the separate zoning ordinance update) would put Heard County into compliance with FEMA and GEMA requirements and allow the county to receive FEMA and GEMA funds in the event of a disaster; she said the work would be finished within 120 days. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Joe Adams and seconded by Commissioner Larry Hammond and passed unanimously.

The board also approved purchase of a new ambulance after Fire Chief Steve Wirth presented three bids. Medix submitted the low bid at $128,109; Osage bid $146,920 and Braun bid $177,717. Chief Wirth recommended awarding the contract to Medix; Commissioner Larry Hooks moved to accept the low bid, Commissioner Keri Denney seconded and the board voted unanimously to purchase the Medix ambulance.

Chairman Lee Boone presented a Georgia Department of Transportation radar list required for posting speed-zone signs on non-state roadways and to permit sheriff's use of radar on county roads; the board approved the list by unanimous vote on a motion by Commissioner Larry Hammond and seconded by Commissioner Gwen Caldwell.

The board filled a vacancy on the Heard County Board of Tax Assessors after Agnes Jackson's retirement, appointing Sandra Nolen to serve the unexpired term. Commissioner Larry Hooks moved and Commissioner Keri Denney seconded the appointment, which passed unanimously.

County Attorney Jerry Ann Conner reviewed a draft local bill, HB 461, prepared by legislative counsel to create a Heard County Board of Elections and asked the board to authorize House Representative Randy Nix to introduce the measure. After discussion with Chief Registrar Tonnie Adams, Commissioner Keri Denney moved to proceed and Commissioner Larry Hooks seconded; the board voted unanimously to move forward with the legislation.

Chairman Boone requested and the board held an executive session to discuss possible litigation; the board announced no decisions were made during the executive session. With no further business, the board adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

Next steps: Plans & More is expected to complete the FEMA/GEMA compliance work within the 120-day timeframe cited by the contractor; the ambulance procurement will proceed with the awarded vendor; HB 461 will be submitted to Representative Randy Nix for introduction in the General Assembly.