8/19/2014 Administrator’s Report

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Financial Update:

• Millage Rate: The Finance Department has completed their computations of the Gordon County millage rate for FY-15. The new 9.747 millage rate will result in a $290,000 tax reduction and is presented for approval.

Project Update:

• Parking Deck: A request for proposal will be delivered to Brasfield & Gorrie, Lusk & Company, RA-LIN, and Turner Construction upon completion of the architectural drawings. We expect Pieper O’Brian Herr to deliver the final design this month. Meanwhile, plans are underway to replace the above ground electrical service to the parking deck with new underground service.
• Redbud Road Fire Station: The architect Carlson-Jones has finished the design documents for the fire station. Calhoun Commercial is developing the costing based upon this design document and should present the costs to the county on or before September 5, 2014. Calhoun Commercial will then present a tentative construction timeline.
• Courthouse Renovation: During a meeting with Bartow County this week, Peter Olson provided recommendations regarding their experience with courthouse projects. His recommendations included architects specializing in renovation rather that new construction. A tour of their facility is being planned.
• Resaca Battlefield: After reviewing other proposals, Lose and Associates, a firm specializing in community park development, was identified to evaluate the Resaca Battlefield and provide a punch list of requirements that must be met prior to opening the park. The specialized assistance they bring will be instrumental during the acceptance and commissioning of this park.
• DOT Projects: Attended a pre-construction meeting with Georgia DOT District Engineer in Cartersville, DeWayne Comer. GDOT has many ongoing projects that include the Union Grove exit, new ramps on the Redbud Road exit and widening of Hwy 156, the Resaca exit, and the realigning of SR 53 near Fairmount towards Pickens. A new intersection of Folsom Road and Cash Road are nearing completion. Upcoming projects that will soon be underway in Gordon County includes the Lynn Creek Bridge, South Calhoun Bypass, and a new bridge on Hwy 156 near Ranger.
• Industrial Property: The Development Authority’s recent success with Project Seven highlighted the value of industrial real estate holdings to promote future growth. Therefore, the Public Works department is working with the Development Authority to remove some of the overgrown brush and thorn trees that have accumulated during the past several years. We will be inspecting this area on Friday with Kathy Johnson, and we will also be taking a closer look at state’s ongoing work on Union Grove Road.
• George Chambers CDBG: Gordon County has been selected as a 2014 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Recipient of $500,000 for the George Chambers Development Disability Center.