An experienced leader with more than 25 years in management, including the last two as accreditation manager for the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, was tapped last month as the county's SPLOST project manager.

Bob Ivey, 57, of Dawsonville, accepted the position to oversee and manage the county's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax projects.

Ivey's first initiative, negotiations with Rosser International, the company slated to design the county's new courthouse, has already saved the county over $100,000 in design fees, according to Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner.

"We are confident as the project moves forward, with the help of a project manager, we'll continue this trend to be able to bring the project in under budget," Tanner said.

The new courthouse and administrative center's construction cost is approximately $27.9 million, from an anticipated $91.56 million in SPLOST V funds. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2009.

Funds for the new courthouse and administrative building will be pre-funded with a $60 million bond and paid back each year with proceeds collected until the time when the county has received sufficient SPLOST funds to eliminate the debt.

In addition to the new courthouse, Ivey will also oversee subsequent SPLOST V approved projects. Voters overwhelmingly approved extending the one-cent sales tax last November, allocating $10 million for roads, streets and bridges, $14.9 million for recreation, sewer, library and public works facilities and $500,000 for public safety equipment.

Tanner said he is confident in Ivey's ability to bring the courthouse project under budget and on time.
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2009.

Born in Huntsville, Ala., Ivey graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Political Science and later spent 25 years in insurance administration where he implemented several state and federal mandated policy projects.

Ivey and his wife, April, moved to Dawsonville in 2006 when he accepted the position of accreditation manager for the sheriff's office. Earlier this year, the sheriff's office was the 12th in the state to achieve state certification, an effort that required Ivey's coordination of over 90 policies between five major divisions to meet the 118 state mandated requirements.

Ivey said he had mixed emotions about leaving the sheriff's office.
"I have so much respect for Sheriff Carlisle and his staff. However, Dawson County's future is soÊbright and dynamic that I just wanted to be involved and try to do my part as a citizen and employee," Ivey said. "I believe the county is heading in the right direction andÊto be a part of the many positive changesÊthat are going on is exciting and challenging."

Tanner said he is proud that he was able to locate an individual with Ivey's qualifications already working for Dawson County government. "I think it's important that the person assigned to manage this project is a Dawson County resident. He has a direct reason to make sure this project is successful," said Tanner.
Ivey's annual salary is approximately $55,000. "The savings he helped negotiate for the courthouse design will almost pay his salary for the first two years," Tanner added.

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.