by Kathy Foster ….
Washington County commissioners spent time at this week’s workshop on Wednesday again discussing continued clean-up and recovery work associated with Hurricane Michael.
Commissioners were informed the final round of hurricane related debris clean-up is still set for March 15th – April 15th and work will begin March 15 on the east side of Washington County. They said as the debris clean-up is completed county workers will be video taping the completed work.
Commissioners acknowledged that debris on the ground is causing concerns about fire hazards in the county as everything dries out. They said they are looking at actions that can be taken to mitigate the danger.
Additionally, Commission Chair Tray Hawkins suggested that county personnel look at starting a tree planting drive in Washington County to begin replacing the massive number of trees destroyed by Hurricane Michael.
Road maintenance was another topic of discussion during the worskhop, with Sunday Road drawing specific attention.
County Engineer Cliff Knauer estimated it would cost approximately $150,000 to pay to overlay that road, or $220,000 for leveling and capping the roadway. Commissioners took the information under advisement.
Other roads discussed included:
- Bonnett Pond Road – which Knauer said should be ready to left for bids within a couple of weeks.
- Buckhorn Boulevard – which Knauer noted might need some easements signed over by property owners along the roadway before work could be started.
- Old Bonifay Highway – which Knauer said should be ready to submit soon.
Discussing the serious flooding from the high ground water levels being experienced in areas of the county, the county engineer was directed to get a written report from hydrologists regarding what can be expected regarding this particular issue in the coming months. Commissioners indicated it would take an extended dry spell across the Panhandle to lower the water levels.
Another topic of discussion was animal control services throughout the county. County Attorney Matthew Fuqua requested the BOCC set a meeting with officials of the towns that would be impacted, and their attorneys, to review/revise current laws.
Commissioners announced that the county’s website was going to be improved and upgraded by John Warren, LLC at a cost of $9,200, plus a $99 monthy fee. The said the site would be ADA complant.
Discussing the possibility of an ordinance to include Boat Ramps under Parks for Washington County, commissioners asked that a list of boat ramps be developed by county personnel.