The Board to Seek Bids for Inmate Health
Community, Police & Government March 16, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Board of Commissioners is beginning to seek bids for inmate health contracts after the current contract was raised.
The board also approved funding for a program manager for the broadband infrastructure grant project. They also entered into a mediation compromise with The Complete Combatant, LLC. The board also is continuing the search for a location for the new animal shelter.
The commissioners have been working with Finance Director Abby Branan to work out a new contract for inmate health. The current contract with CorrectHealth has gone up to $60,000 over the previous contract. To review the talks the board has had so far visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/03/02/board-discuss-possible-locations-for-the-new-animal-shelter/.
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard while discussing the inmate health contract.
CorrectHealth has agreed to a month-to-month contract while the commissioners start a bid process. The bids are due by Apr. 4 and Branan will have a contract for the board’s approval by the second meeting in Apr.
Development Authority Director Rebecca Mincey brought the commissioners a request for funding for a program manager for the broadband infrastructure grant project. Mincey has been working with the state and NTIA on the infrastructure project. The board approved the use of ARPA funds for the project.
“I’d like to publicly tell Rebecca Mincey how thankful we are for her hard work on these two grants, these are very competitive grants for broadband and infrastructure improvement in Lumpkin County. Not only were we the recipient of a State grant but also a Federal grant and it’s just unbelievable the amount of work that goes into that,” stated Chairman of the Board Chris Dockery.
Ken Jarrard outside legal counsel for the Board of Commissioners brought mediation compromise for The Complete Combatant, LLC. The compromise spells out terms that both The Complete Combatant and the board can agree to.
Ken Jarrard while explaining the compromise to the board.
The terms state that the only firearms that will be allowed will be pistols. The times for operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. two days a week, one weekend per month, and two Fridays per year. This does not include the owner’s personal use, but it does include charity usage. They are also required to use noise baffling panels that once in place the county staff will be responsible for reviewing, the company will be in charge of maintenance.
The court now has to approve the compromise. If the judge does approve they will hold the compromise for the next year which means that if any of the conditions are not met by either side they can take them to court. With all these conditions the board approved the compromise.
There was public comment after the meeting where serval citizens expressed their concern and disappointment with this action. The board heard out the concerns of the citizens.
The board also is still considering options for the new animal shelter. At this time they are considering waiting till the architect has drawn up designs for the building layout. They also approved JMA Architecture for the project. To review the options they are considering for animal shelter visit http://lumpkincountyga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1594&Inline=True beginning on page 312.
Board Discuss Possible Locations for the New Animal Shelter
Community March 2, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Director of Special Projects Ashley Peck presented the board with three options for possible locations for the new animal shelter the county is building.
The board also followed up on the inmate medical contract that they talked about last month. Director of Development Authority Rebeccas Mincey brought the board an update on the broadband infrastructure grant project.
Peck along with other members of staff have found three county-owned properties that were presented to the board for the new shelter. There are two locations in Blackburn Park and one location near the transfer station that is up for consideration. The estimated cost for building the shelter is $1,202,000.00.
The first Blackburn location.
The first option in Blackburn park offers both room for expansion in the future and room to house large animals for a short time. There would be easier construction in this area which also means a shorter time for the project. It is the cheapest option and is 541 feet away from the closest neighbor.
The second option in Blackburn is the current site of the County’s Vegetative Debris Management Area. If chosen the county will have to move the site to another location and that will have to be approved by FEMA. This also offers the same room for expansion and housing for large animals.
The second Blackburn location.
The closest house to the site is 1,353 feet away, however it is also located behind Blackburn Elementary. In order to access the site, there is a need to build a new road and that will cost $323,775 of TSPLOST money.
There is also an additional $13,000 that would be needed for utilities. Making the total cost of this project $1,538,775.00 if this is the location selected.
Finally, the option by the transfer station is a more difficult site to build and there is little room for expansion if needed in the future. There would also be the need to build a 650ft road on the site. It will cost $254,154 to build.
The transfer site location.
There is an additional cost for screening, security fencing, utility, and water and sewer. All of that would bring the cost of the project up to $1,537,866.00. There are also downsides to this location’s proximity to both a firing range and the transfer station.
Residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Blackburn park expressed their concerns again to the board after the meeting. If the board decides none of these locations are what they are looking for there are other options the county can pursue. The board will make a decision at their regular meeting on Mar. 15 at 6:00 p.m. To view the agenda before the meeting visit http://lumpkincountyga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx.
“I’ve taken notes on what everybody said and we certainly take those seriously and appreciate your comments and taking the time to be here. We want to do what’s best for all of Lumpkin County and it’s tough when you come to these situations and you’re trying to improve the services for the county,” explained Chairman of the Board Chris Dockery.
Finance Director Abby Branan reviewed how the negotiations with CorrectHealth for the inmate health contract. When Sheriff Jarrard brought the contract amendment at the last meeting the board asked staff to go back and try to negotiate with the company for a different rate than what they offered. To review that meeting visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/02/16/board-reviews-land-use-revisions-update-and-extends-moratorium/.
The company stated that they could not go lower than what they have already stated. That price is a $60,000 raise over the previous contract. The board told Branan to go back and see if they would agree to a month-to-month payment system in order to give the board time to bid out to see if there are lower options available.
“We may find out if they participate in the bid process that they do have the best bid out there but until we do it we won’t know,” stated Commissioner District 2 Bobby Mayfield.
Mincey informed the board that for the broadband infrastructure project they have also received the federal grant as well which is another 8 million for the project. They have already been awarded 3.7 million from the state. There’s still more work Mincey has to do before she brings the full report back to the board.
Board Approved Amendment to Character Area Map
Community January 19, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. -After much debate and changes the board of commissioners approved the amendment to the character area map in their meeting on Jan. 18.
The board also gave staff the go-ahead to start planning the new animal shelter project and the board heard some concerns from the public on the matter. Lastly, the board recognized Lumpkin County employees for their years of service.
The board began discussing the change to the character area map for 283 Red Oak Flats Loop, Dahlonega, GA 30533, parcel 098-
015 in Dec. This change was to make the area an industrial park for use of the business Amicalola Propane. The board voted to table the decision to give staff more time to outline conditions and definitions for the amendment.
At the work session on Jan. 4, the board discussed more changes they wish to see before moving forward with approval. To view that information visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/01/05/board-continues-to-discuss-character-area-map-amendment/. At the meeting on Jan. 18 the board took action on the character area map amendment and they voted to approve it with conditions.
There were ten conditions approved some of those are 1. only light industrial and lesser uses shall be allowed, 2. no noise shall be audible between the hours of 6:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m., 3. no dust shall leave the property, and 4. no order or smell shall leave the property. To view, the full list of conditions please go to http://lumpkincountyga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1570&Inline=True. The conditions begin on page 36.
Special Projects Director Ashely Peck brought the board a list of what staff needed to begin planning on the new animal shelter. Peck asked the board for an owner’s representative, an architect for the project, and a construction manager at risk build model. The board gave Peck the nod to go forward.
” The owner’s representative of course this is the model we used for the library and I think it ended up saving the taxpayers a lot of money by doing that so I would be in support of that, obtain the services of an architect I think we should certainly look at that we’ve got to have a good plan going forward, and then the authorization of the construction manager at risk build model I think that gives us the most control and the best opportunity to save money,” explained Chris Dockery Chairman of the Board.
Three citizens came forward to express concerns about the proposed location of the shelter and the impact that it will have on them and their property values. The board heard the concerns and invited the community to continue to work with them as the project moves forward.
Will Howell was one of the citizens that expressed concern about the animal shelter project.
Maire Satterfield received her recognition for forty-five years of service and the board of commissioners. Left to Right Jeff Moran, Tucker Greene, Rhett Stringer, Chris Dockery, and Bobby Mayfield.
The board also recognized its employees that have been with the county for five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and forty-five years of service. Not all employees that received the recognition were present at the meeting however Mrs. Maire Satterfield was present. Satterfield has worked with the Lumpkin County Sherriff’s office since 1976.
“Since 1976 this dedicated employee has served the citizens of Lumpkin County, it amazes me that she’s still going strong and I can tell you and I think Stacy Jarrard would tell you the same thing he’d be lost without her, she is a wealth of institutional knowledge and just certainly a great person,” praised Dockery.
UPDATED: Closing and Cancellation info for Lumpkin County
News March 19, 2020
Stay up to date with closing and cancellations in Lumpkin County and keep visiting this article daily to find out the latest closings and cancellations as they are announced.
Closing Info UPDATED 3.19.20 8:00AM
Lumpkin County has created a page for virus updates)
- Lumpkin County Magistrate Court, in compliance with the order entered by The Honorable Harold D. Melton, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, will be closing to the public beginning March 18, 2020 until further notice.
- The Lumpkin County Tax Commissioner’s Office is closed to the public. They are happy to assist you over the phone by taking payments or talking you through the online system. If it is absolutely necessary to register your vehicle, they will make an appointment for you.
- The Lumpkin County Animal Shelter is closing to the public. They will be accepting appointments for those that need to visit the shelter.
- Lumpkin County Tax Assessor’s Office – should you feel it necessary to meet in person regarding your appraisal, you will need to call and schedule an appointment. Otherwise, the office staff is handling all other questions via phone.
- Lumpkin County Parks and Recreation activities are suspended until further notice. Facility rentals for gatherings is also suspended until further notice.
- Lumpkin County will not be utilizing Community Service workers through the end of the month. This will be re-evaluated at the end of the month.
- 9th District Opportunity’s office located in the Administration Building will be closing March 18th through March 26th.
- Lumpkin 101 classes suspended until further notice.
- Lumpkin County Library Grand Opening on March 28th has been cancelled.
- Lumpkin County Library will be closing March 16th through March 30th. The library is waiving all fines for materials during the closure. Book drops are closed. As a reminder, Wi-Fi for each branch of the library does reach into the parking lots.
- Lumpkin County Schools will be closed March 16 through March 20.
- Temporary Closure of the Senior Center Out of an abundance of caution, and because the senior population seems to be one of the groups most susceptible to the COVID-19 virus, Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners has taken the pro-active step of temporarily closing the Senior Center. The Senior Center will be temporarily closed beginning March 16 through the end of the month. Our hope is that this will allow the instances of COVID-19 virus to diminish in number, which should reduce exposure to this vulnerable population. Over the next few weeks, we will re-evaluate this decision as the situation unfolds and expectation of reopening the Senior Center on April 1, if the situation allows. During this time, volunteers will still distribute home-delivered meals to clients who are currently receiving this service. Senior Center staff will be checking on clients on a daily basis as well as continuing their practices of deep cleaning the whole building.
Department changes info
- The Lumpkin County Tax Commissioner’s Office reminds citizens that most every items can be handled via an online process. The links can be found on their webpage. There is also a payment drop box at the ADA entrance to the Administration Building. This box can be used for payments or correspondence for this office.
- The Lumpkin County Tax Assessor’s Office reminds citizens that most every issue with their office can be handled via email, standard mail or phone. Their webpage has more detailed information.
- Lumpkin County Magistrate Court reminds citizens that Civil Action questions can be answered by calling the civil court clerk at 706-864-3736. Criminal matters or County Ordinance Violation questions can be answered by calling the criminal court clerk at 706-864-7760.
- The Animal Shelter is no longer accepting walk-ins, they encourage you to call the shelter at 706-867-7297 if you need assistance.
- The Planning Department is limiting access to its office. You will be able to receive assistance via the service window located in the front lobby of their office. They are reminding everyone that they have forms on their webpage that can be used to conduct business and reduce the need to visit their office in person. They will continue to respond to complaints but will limit direct contact.
- The Lumpkin County Fire Marshal’s Office has limited public access to their office. If you need to drop off plans, those should be left in the Planning Department. Plans will be picked up daily. To pay your fees, please visit the Fire Marshall’s page to access the online payment form.
- The County Clerk is limiting access to the office and reminds businesses that Alcohol Excise Tax payments may be paid online or you can mail your checks.
- The Lumpkin County Extension Service has limited access to their office. Please knock on the door, or call, for assistance.
The State of Georgia has announced a hotline that is staffed and ready to answer Coronavirus (COVID-19) questions. Please call 1-844-442-2681.
Hospital info Northeast Georgia Medical Center
What do I do if I feel sick? If you have a fever and cough or difficulty breathing, these steps will help you find the care you need and limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our region:
- Call before you come
- Please call your doctor’s office or an urgent care clinic for advice about where you should go for treatment.
- If you already have an appointment scheduled and have recently traveled to an area affected by Coronavirus, please call the office before you leave your house.
- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
- Calling 9-1-1 is always the fastest and most efficient way to get proper treatment for medical emergencies.
- Consider staying home and completing an E-Visit
- We have updated our online E-Visits to ask screening questions that may indicate if you have Coronavirus.
- Just visit www.ngpg.org/evisit-info for instructions about how to complete an E-Visit from the comfort of your home.
Are they able to test? NGHS has the ability to coordinate testing at some of our locations. Please call your doctor’s office or urgent care clinic for advice about whether testing is right for you. Recently we implemented a new E-Visit specific to the Coronavirus. Just visit www.ngpg.org/evisit-info for instructions about how to complete an E-Visit from the comfort of your home.
Should I be wearing a mask? It is important for everyone to remember that the CDC does not recommend face masks for the general public who are well as a protection from COVID-19 or other respiratory diseases. If people stockpile masks at their homes out of concern, they could inadvertently prevent healthcare facilities from getting the supplies they need for ill patients and the staff treating those patients. Instead, good hand hygiene – washing hands for at least 20 seconds – is very important and cough etiquette – covering your mouth while you cough or sneeze and then washing hands or using sanitizer– is Highly Recommend
Public Healthline: 8667824584