The Dawson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request from its sheriff to provide more funding for its department.
The sheriff's office will receive $95,000 earmarked for salaries.
In a 4-0 vote by the board Thursday night, Sheriff Billy Carlisle was granted a transfer of funds that he says will allow him to retain his experienced and trained personnel.
"It is a start in the right direction, but we are still behind," Carlisle said. "Its going to take some time to be able to be competitive with these other counties and cities. Especially in the area of salaries and benefits."
Last week Carlisle made the request to combat other nearby agencies that were luring his trained and experienced employees away with higher salaries. Commissioner Julie Nix made the motion which was seconded by Sharon Fausett and unanimously approved.
Separately, the third and final hearing was held regarding the 2015 proposed millage rate and property tax. No one spoke for or against the matter. With a motion from Nix and seconded by Fausett, the commissioners voted unanimously to keep the millage rate at 8.138, where it has remained for 12 years.
Denise Davis gave a presentation on the current standing of Ninth District Opportunity and the work it has done to date, including being able to provide stabilized housing for five county families and re-housing of two homeless ones.
Separately, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve last week's petition from Billy Carlisle to rezone 4.97 acres (from Residential Agricultural (R-A) to Commercial HIghway Business (C-HB). No one from the public spoke in favor of or against Carlisle's request to operate an RV rental business which would include a mobile office on the space in question. Commissioner James Swafford made a motion with the stipulation that the mobile office be removed in 24 months. Fausett seconded it. Nix and Hamby abstained and Berg cast the third and deciding vote.
In other county business, the following items were approved unanimously:
The termination of the existing contract with Govultion as the credit/debit card company failed to fulfill its obligations as originally agreed.
County Administrator David McKee's request to review and approve the updated vehicle replacement and maintenance policy.
A request from Shannon Harben, Dawson County fleet administrator, for the purchase of four Dodge trucks for various county departments. Bids were sent and Don Jackson Automotive Group, Union City, Ga. was the only responder for the vehicles at a cost of $173,575.00.
A resolution to authorize the execution of a lease purchase agreement with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia for additional vehicles.
The next county commissioner meeting will be July 23 at 4 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Dawson County Government Center on Justice Way.