Washington County commissioners heard from Ted Everett concerning the 79 Corridor Project that was recently awarded $1,821,461.00 by the State during their workshop session Wednesday morning.
by Kathy Foster
Explaining that the funds were to build the water and sewer infrastructure within the proposed corridor, Everett said when the Authority that will govern the development in the Corridor is finally approved it will be a stand-alone governmental entity receiving funds through the development that will take place along the corridor. The Authority, which includes acreage in Washington County, Holmes County, and the City of Bonifay, will receive about 10 percent of the incoming funds, while the individual counties/city is expected to receive about 90 percent of that income. Everett said he expects all necessary paperwork will be in place within a couple of months and he promised to keep the BOCC updated as things move along.
In other discussions at the workshop the following issues were addressed:
- Commissioners held an Out-of-Sunshine meeting to discuss pending litigation regarding the Robert L. Watson and Donna Watson, Plaintiffs, vs. Washington County, Defendant, case.
- Commissioners said they were “good to go” when it came to upgrading the Washington County Library computer system. Library Director Renae Rountree met with commissioners to explain that funds had been found to upgrade the Library system’s outdated computer system. She said the funds will provide a much-needed update. According to Rountree, the majority of the current library computers are over seven years old or older. She said the upgrades were not originally budgeted when it was projected the library would receive $180,000 in State Aid, but they have since learned that they will actually be receiving $243,000 for the year and these funds will more than cover the upgrade.
- Commissioners indicated they would approve a proposed addition to the Rock of Deliverance Church in Ebro. Baker Engineers, LLC, as agent for the church, is requesting approval for a two-story addition to the existing church 5414 Obies Street in the Town of Ebro. The addition will be to the west end of the church and would be 29 feet in height. The first-floor addition is for expansion of the Fellowship Hall. The second-floor addition is for offices and classrooms for Sunday School.
- Commissioners were asked by E911 Director Clint Erickson that he be allowed to apply for several grants for E911 Maintenance for 2018-2019.
- Commissioners were informed by Grants Coordinator Karen Show that every three years, all counties are required to update their Title VI Non-discrimination Policy and she presented the county’s updated policy for review.
- Robin Riley reported to commissioners that she would be sending out surveys to county employees to get their input on their insurance needs and would share that information with commissioners when it is received.
- County Engineer Cliff Knauer reported that work is continuing on Bonnett Road, Obie Road, and Kent Road. Additionally, Knauer said he would be talking to property owners in the Crystal Lake area about a possible easement to address stormwater runoff into the lake.