Quitman hires consultant to pursue $1.2 million parks grant, approves $5,000/month fee

The Quitman board authorized Olivian Consulting to pursue a $1.2 million grant from the state MOSTF/MOSF program to fund park and recreational improvements tied to public-health outcomes. The consultant, Luke Little, presented research linking a lack of parks and walkability to higher rates of diabetes and heart disease in the service area and asked the board to authorize him to prepare and submit the application.

Board members asked about costs and timing. Little proposed a three-month engagement at $5,000 per month to prepare the application, with submission in September and award decisions anticipated in November. ‘‘Maybe something that we could do is look at maybe a three month five,000 a month to make it easy,’’ Little said on the speakerphone. The board voted to hire Little on those terms and to move forward with the application process. Staff will coordinate with him and report back on draft materials.