Montgomery County Expects to End 2020 on Sound Financial Footing

With over three-quarters of 2020 elapsed, it appears Montgomery County is going to end the year comfortably— financially speaking.

In a report to the County Commission during its regular monthly session Monday, November 9, County Manager Brandon Braddy said the county is under its threshold goal (83.3% of the annual budget) for spending.

With an annual budget of $4.3 million, as of October 31 the county was $107,537 ahead in projected revenue collections because of a $264,110 allocation from the federal CARES fund continued from page

and Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) funds that amounted to $367,545. “It really helped out at the end of the year,” Braddy said of the extra revenue. “We feel confident as far as meeting our obligations and not falling short,” he added.

As of October 31, the county had expended $3.3 million, or 76%, of its annual budget, but has collected $4.4 million in actual revenue. It costs the county $331,700 a month to operate.

Braddy explained that the IPT funds will be used for rural fire protection in unincorporated areas of the county through an agreement with incorporated towns which have volunteer fire departments. This expenditure amounts to $129,000. The ITP revenue will also fund solid waste (convenience centers) collection within the county with $246,747 to be allocated for this purpose. The solid waste expenses may actually exceed the budget this year because of improvements made to trash containers. The rural fire protection and solid waste allocations specifically serve unincorporated areas of the county.

In other business, the Commission got an update from Recreation Department Director Steve McLeod, who reported that the department hosted a short soccer season from October 1-26. Football is scheduled October 26-November 21 and basketball signup starts the week of November 16.

Reporting for the Emergency Medical Service was Jonathan Holland, who told the Commission the department had responded to 88 calls in the past month. He noted that the delivery of the county’s new ambulance was delayed because of issues regarding the chassis, but the vehicle should arrive around February 1.

Emergency Management Agency Director Donnie Daniels announced the county’s early warning system should be up and running by the end of the month. He said there were 34 fire calls in October.

Braddy informed commissioners that the Georgia Department of Transportation’s study of State Road 292 at State Road 15/29 and the intersection of County Road 67 was nearing completion. The Commission passed a resolution in May 2019 calling for a traffic study of the intersection where fatalities have occurred. Braddy said the study is expected to be complete in two weeks, at which time the DOT will make recommendations.

The Commission ratified an agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and the Oconee Drug Task Force to expend $13,379 from the sheriff’s budget for law the enforcement program. The sheriff had previously approved the expenditure.

The Commission awarded a bid for $289,277 to East Asphalt Company for road resurfacing on Petross Road and Connell Lane. The commissioners also awarded a bid to Rivers Heating and Air for $4,700 to make repairs to the heating and air conditioning system at the Montgomery County Senior Citizen’s Center.

A resolution to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for drainage and paving of Bowtie Circle and Hardman Lane was approved by the Commission. The Commission also approved a scrap tire abatement reimbursement agreement with the Environmental Protection Division/ Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Montgomery County has been awarded $15,075 for a scrap tire abatement program. A scrap tire amnesty event will be held January 18-22 at the county’s recycling center on U.S. Highway 280.

The first reading of an amendment to the county ordinance regarding alcohol sales was held during the session. Montgomery County citizens approved an amendment to the ordinance which provides for Sunday alcohol sales in the November 3 general election.