'Project Uplift' to clean up county roads
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Addressing the issue of litter along county roads will be the focus of "Project Uplift," a newly implemented program of the Jenkins County Commissioners. The group approved the program during its Tuesday, April 1, meeting upon the recommendation of chairman James Henry.

Project Uplift will employ four individuals, one of which will be a "crew leader", to clean up litter from county roads 40 hours per week for a period of 16 weeks beginning in May. At the end of that time, the commissioners will determine whether or not to continue the program.

The projected cost to the county is $16,000-$18,000.

"We need to do something to set a tone for trying to improve the appearance of the county," commented Chairman Henry, who said that he had received numerous complaints from local citizens.

Field Director Grady Lane informed the group that preparation of a proposal to deal with contamination of a pond at the county landfill by recent rainfall was proceeding on schedule. It was estimated that 500 truckloads of contaminated water would need to be removed and dumped into the City of Millen sewer system for treatment. Bids will be taken on the project. In connection with the cleanup, the commissioners approved the purchase of a pump from United Rentals in the amount of approximately $28,000.

Virgil Badie appeared before the group seeking a variance on the 2-acre requirement of the county's Subdivision Ordinance.

A request from the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center that accumulated "drug fines" be used to provide a School Resource Officer through the end of 2008 was tabled. The organization had previously explained that it was applying for a $125,000 grant for five years that would provide for the employment of a Project Director/ Drug Officer for the school system. Having a person already in place by the school system would increase the probability of approval of the grant application.

The commissioners determined that they would like to review the grant application prior to approving the request.

The job description for the county's Maintenance Position was revised to include only maintenance. The county will discuss "sharing" an Inspection Officer with the City of Millen.

During a report on the county budget, Chairman Henry noted that collected property taxes was approximately $100,000 short of the anticipated amount while collection of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) was a little "ahead" of what was anticipated.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included the following:

• Approved the purchase of a lowboy in the amount of $22,200;

• Approved the appointment of Lois Handberry Kirkland to the Board of Tax Assessors;

• Tabled action on revising Personnel Policy to deal with a county employee who seeks an elected position;

• Approved E-911 resolution to establish a $1.50 monthly fee per connection on wireless phones;

• Approved a request from Magnolia Springs State Park that the county act as "agent" for funds received by the park for improvements to facilities; and

• Approved the reappointment of Betty Black to the Department of Family and Children Services Board of Directors.