MoCo Commission Handles Regular Business
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The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners authorized a new ordinance, the renewal of a contract, and the purchase of a new HVAC unit during the Board’s monthly meeting on May 12.
During the meeting, the county commissioners authorized the implementation of the new ordinance, which outlines the proper organization of meetings of the county commissioners. This ordinance has been discussed for several weeks, as Commissioner Amie Vassey had several concerns with the legislation.
Prior to voting on the ordinance, Vassey asked about language in the text. “On one particular item, it talks about needing the majority of present commissioners affirmative, and that is really a point of contention for me,” she explained.
County Manager Heather Scott explained to Vassey that this language meant that three commissioners had to be present at meetings for there to be a voting quorum, and the majority of those commissioners present must authorize an action for it to be legal. Vassey made a motion to throw out the ordinance, as she stated she felt it was unnecessary. This motion died due to lack of a second.
Commissioner Leland Adams then made a motion to authorize the ordinance, Commissioner Clarence Thomas seconded the motion, and all commissioners agreed with the action, except for Vassey. The commissioners also authorized the renewal of the county’s contract with the Georgia Department of Corrections for prison detail work.
During the work session, County Manager Scott explained to the commissioners that the price of the contract would be raised at 10% upon renewal, which accounted for a pay raise which the Department had given corrections officers statewide. Vassey asked Scott if the full 10-man crew which was allowed by the state was utilized, and if the men worked a full 40hour week. Commissioner Pedro Sharpe – a retired correctional officer – told Vassey that currently, the county only used a crew of 6-7 men, which he stated was more productive than a full 10-man crew because of behavioral issues. He also shared that the men were limited on when they could work based on the state guidelines.
The renewal of the contract will allow detail crews to continue working on roads and other projects within the county.
The commissioners also approved the purchase of a new HVAC unit for the Montgomery County Health Department. Three bids were obtained for this purchase, but ultimately, it was the low bid of $8,950 from Rivers Heating and Air that won the purchase. The exact installation date of the unit was not disclosed.
Commissioners entered into an executive session, from which they later emerged and announced that they had asked County Attorney Ron Daniels to assist Tax Commissioner Renee Wooten-Perry with issues she was having regarding records. During the commissioners’ comments section of the meeting, Commissioner Adams asked why the Montgomery County Tax Commissioner’s Office had been closed, which Vassey replied she believed was due to the Tax Commissioner and Clerk being at training. Adams also asked Vassey why she was listed on the Montgomery County Board of Education agenda as speaking as a commissioner about a potential partnership. Vassey stated that she would be speaking about an idea that she had, but would only be speaking on behalf of her district. Adams told Vassey that if she spoke as a commissioner on behalf of the Board, she would need to make sure that all members of the Commission agreed on what was being said.
The next Board of Commissioners work session is at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5; the next meeting is Monday, June 9.
