Financial Update
- SPLOST Collections: LOST and SPLOST revenues for July were up 4.86% over the same period last year. Collections for the last year were up by 0.22% (LOST) and 0.04% (SPLOST) when compared to the prior year.
Significant Projects and Activity
- Courthouse Renovation: We received the detailed cost estimate report. The project as presented by the Architect in the schematic design was significantly over the budget. Modifications to the schematic design are being considered to cut costs.
- Courthouse Annex: The new HVAC unit is to be installed around August 10 or 11.
- Animal Shelter: We received the detailed cost estimate report. The project as presented by the Architect in the schematic design was significantly over the budget. Modifications to the schematic design are being considered to cut costs.
- Road Department: Water Tank Road is open.
- Salacoa Watershed Planning: I attended a Salacoa Watershed planning meeting in Fairmount hosted by the Limestone Valley RC&D. This was an initial stakeholders meeting to provide information about the process to map and plan the watershed. The Knights Bottom property acquired by the County last year will likely be identified as an important asset to watershed protection.
- DNR Property for New Health Department: We have received the asbestos report and estimate of the cost to remediate asbestos in the 2 buildings. The total cost to remediate the asbestos found in both buildings is estimated at about $15,000.
- Emergency Medical Services: The Airport Authority and Life Force appear to be moving forward with negotiations for a new hanger and offices to continue to house Life Force Helicopter operations at the Airport. On another issue, Gordon Hospital has expressed interest in continuing to provide ambulance services to Gordon County. The current EMS contract expires in 2018.
- Code Enforcement Update: Code Enforcement Officer Bradford completed his level one certification in March of 2017. He begins his level 2 training in September and the rigorous program will take 18 months to complete. Mr. Bradford has opened 674 cases. 629 cases have been closed. 34 cases remain open and 11 complaints have been received this week. 52 cases have been taken to court by citation.
