Waycross will hire a company who specializes in securing grants as the city seeks additional funds for future maintainance and upgrade of the water-sewer system.
The Waycross City Commission has approved a resolution for a management consulting contract with SEAS Community Partners, Inc., to provide grant writing services. The Atlanta-based firm will target sources of funding to supplement money realized from an increase in water-sewer rates for all customers and an additional adjustment to businesses with larger service lines beginning October 1.
City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said when he presented the rate changes earlier this year the additional funds from the increase would allow the city to seek other sources of funding for future upgrades to water-sewer infrastructure.
The resolution was among seven commissioners passed during their bi-monthly meeting Tuesday, May 6.
The contract with SEAS will be executed following approval by Interim City Attorney Huey Spearman that all negotiated provisions are in place. It will be for $50,000 for one year.
Cost of the contract will be covered from monies secured by the firm, Rayford said in his recommendation for the city contracting with a consultant for the service. SEAS will seek funding from federal, state, foundation and corporate sources for the city.
Danita C. Doleman, the Founder and CEO of SEAS Community Partners, appeared before the commission earlier this year to detail the firm’s program of services. The firm has secured and managed more than $20 million in funding while consulting with 400+ small businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and government agencies.
Commissioners approved last month a three percent rate hike for all customers as well as a seven percent adjustment for commercial customers. It was the city’s first water-sewer rate hike since 2010, according to Rayford.
He said the additional revenue generated from the increase and supplement is anticipated to be around $300,000 in its first year. In addition to helping the city handle system issues that arise almost weekly, it also provides the capital to seek other revenue through grants and matching funds, hence the pact with SEAS.
