The Decatur County Board of Commissioners, May 13, 2008

County Administrator Tom Patton stated bids were opened 3 weeks ago for the glide slope project at the Airport.  The bids were for site preparation, installation of glide slope facility for runway 27 and runway marking.

He stated the project engineer recommended acceptance of the low bid for the site preparation of the project from a Butler GA company of $371,905.  The bid for the electronic portion of the contract was $245,946.  Mr Patton stated the project will qualify for matching funds at the rate of 75% for some and 95% for others.

Commissioner Butch Mosely questioned if the county should award the contract to a local company for the site preparation.  He pointed out a local company pays taxes here.  Other commissioners agreed.

Commissioner Bill Nichols moved to accept the bid of $380,750 from local contractor Circle B, $9,000 higher than the bid from the Butler GA company, and the electronics bid.

Mr Patton pointed out that the extra $9,000 would have to be paid for by the County.  Commissioner Battle asked finance director Carl Rowland, "Do we have this $9,000?  Can you find it?"  Mr Rowland stated they would work around it.

Commissioner Perry stated they had previously accepted local bids for automobiles of up to $300 more from a local company, a 1.5% variance.  (The $9,000 is a 2.4% variance.)  Commissioners unanimously approved the bids.

Some perspective-LS
Many governments feel this discourages out of town bidders.  With a slow economy, probably not a problem, but that could change when the economy turns up.  Contractors may then feel it is not worth their many hours/days of time and expense preparing bids on future projects.  The City of Bainbridge has followed a strict low bid policy.  City Council feels strongly on this, once taking a low bid over a local bid of only $40 more.

Approved Ordinance to Update Existing Speed Limits within Decatur County
After several commissioners had a problem with several of the speed limits that were being established, Mr Patton explained  that the DOT can be requested to come in and complete a study and the change c an then be made.  Mr Patton stated it would take 5-6 weeks for the DOT to accomplish.

Approved Capacity Agreements for Housing State Inmates
The county agreed to house up to 225 state prisoners at $20 per day.  They are housed at the Decatur County Correctional Institute on Airport Road.

Approved new ambulance purchase for $94,000
Administrator Patton stated for a couple of weeks they had 3 ambulances in the shop and were forced to operate with a borrowed one.  Mr Patton expressed the desire to purchase one new ambulance per year until they catch up.  Commissioner Battle pointed out she had proposed this plan several years ago but got shot down.  As has become standard for all larger purchases, 3rd party financing was also approved.

Approved 3 final Plats for property to be divided

Approved Errors and Releases Report from Tax Commissioner

Executive Session - Personnel and Legal Matters
There was no action taken.

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