(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, August 5. ) New ambulance: Commissioners approved buying a new ambulance. Safety Director Blake James recommended, and the board approved, purchasing the ambulance from Custom Truck and Body Works for the ambulance at a cost of $288,581 and Stryker for equipment at the cost of $150,995. The total being $439,576. The only other bidder was ETR LLC Ambulance at a cost of $281,349 and equipment at a cost of $161,557 for a total of $442,906.
Excavator for road department: Commissioners approved buying out the lease on a Caterpillar model 309, mini excavator in the amount of $62,500 and trading it in for a Caterpillar model 309, mini excavator with more attachments in the amount of $110,361. Public Works Superintendent Bruce Carter recommended trading in for the new excavator because it will be more durable and has better capabilities. Funding will come out of the 2020 sales tax fund.
Road projects: Commissioners approved adding paving from Ryan Road to Blue Lake Road in the amount of $76,860 on the Blue Lake culvert project. County Manager Raphel Maddox also announced bid openings will be held on the Chapel Circle Area Community Development Block Grant project August 21 and on the Timber Lane and Whitney Lake projects Sept. 2.
Hurricane debris monitoring and removal: Herzog was approved to handle debris removal and pick-up from Hurricane Helene last year. Thompson Consulting Services was approved for monitoring debris removal. Third district commissioner Randy Dixon abstained from the vote due to a connection with the business.
Board appointments: Commissioners appointed Jimmy Thrift and Dawn Thompson to fill two vacancies on the library board.
Public comments: James Johnson came before the commission to complain about his neighbor’s property on Brandi Lane. Code Inspector Chris Bond said the land owner has been cited and the case has been referred to magistrate court.
True Vine Vineyards license: Commissioners voted to approve a business license for True Vine Vineyards at 3211 Leggett Drive, Patterson.
County manager report: County Manager Raphel Maddox pointed out the Blue Lake Road project is nearing completion and gave a report on activity in various county departments.
Pledge leader: David Cranfield, U.S. Army combat engineer was the pledge leader for August.
(See related photo).
Invocation leader: The Rev. Josh McLemore, pastor of First United Methodist Church, led the invocation. (See related photo).
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 2, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
