Montgomery County Works Director Resigns
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Montgomery County Works Director Milton Fountain reported to the Commissioners for the last time at the work session on Thursday, August 10, as his official resignation was accepted at the regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 14.
According to Fountain, he plans to remain a resident of Montgomery County, but received a job offer that he said he could not deny. “I’ve enjoyed it, but I have an opportunity that I cannot pass up,” he emphasized. “I will still be in the County – I’m not moving; so, I will be floating around and will help in any way that I can.”
The Commissioners shared their gratitude for Fountain. “I want you to know I appreciate you, I’ve enjoyed working with you, and the County is better off today than it was when you started,” Commissioner Tim Williamson told him.
During his final report, Fountain gave the Commissioners advice on current and upcoming projects and issues. He suggested that a drainage system be installed with the new sidewalks at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and suggested that the County’s backhoe be replaced or repaired due to problems that occurred while trying to utilize the equipment. Fountain explained that most recently, an operator attempted to drive the backhoe across Highway 280 to reach the other side of the road, and the vehicle malfunctioned, sending the equipment and operator into the ditch. “He was OK, but it is definitely a safety issue,” Fountain explained. He also encouraged the Commissioners to get the company that works on the backhoe to loan the County a piece of equipment to utilize during the repair period.
Fountain also told the Commissioners to consider replacing a worn-out part on one of the County motor graders, and reminded them that the new motor grader would be delivered next month.
He spent the remainder of his report informing Commissioners of the progress on the new Road Department facility, field seeding at the Recreation Department, and installation of security cameras at the Solid Waste Treatment Facility.
Fountain will be replaced by interim Road Superintendent Bobby O’Connor, who was approved for the position at the meeting on August 14 and will now oversee work in the county.
Several other decisions were made during the meeting, including the transfer of ownership of the old Road Department building, located across from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, to the City of Mount Vernon, which plans to use the property for improvements to the City’s water system.
Commissioners agreed to execute the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 Project Agreement between the Georgia Department of Transportation and themselves to fund the resurfacing of Sawmill Road. Also, Commissioners approved to apply for a grant through the Georgia Department of Natural resources that, continued from page
if received, could fund new improvements to the Recreation Department.
A lease agreement between the Montgomery County Board of Elections and Registration and Higgston Baptist Church was approved by commissioners, as the County plans to use the Church’s premises for a polling location. The lease on the County’s 2018 John Deere Motor Grader with Truist Bank Governmental Finance was paid off for $143,039.72.
Citizens continued to address commissioners about their concerns with future property tax evaluations, conditions of dirt roads, and the need for transparency in the government.
