Board Of Commissioners Work Session

Paulding County, Georgia Board of Commissioners work session, November 11, 2026: Commissioners reviewed multiple procurement and capital items for later action; the transcript does not show final votes on these items. Major purchases included a Bobcat T86 track loader for the water system from Bobcat of Atlanta ($143,280.69); a water-main replacement contract with KM Davis Contracting ($1,027,741.75); a three-year Aurelian non-emergency call-taking assistance contract, with a $72,000 first-year cost; and $659,565 for 12 sheriff’s vehicles and two motorcycles, including three hybrid vehicles. Other proposals included 11 water-system vehicles from Hardy Family Ford ($621,570), computers from Howard Industries ($386,615) after the apparent low bidder’s references raised concerns, a DOT bucket truck from Hardy Family Ford ($213,545.30), and fire-engine equipment from Williams Fire Apparatus ($82,562.44). The board also reviewed an $80,911.70 change order for the animal-control building, with staff expecting possible reductions, and a Cedar Crest Road widening project estimated at more than $45 million, including $5 million in federal right-of-way funding and proposed condemnation actions for several parcels. A GDOT grant for the Taxaway Alpha Extension was described as reimbursable at 75%; FY2026 budget amendments were characterized as accounting adjustments, not new spending.

The board discussed proposed Ordinance 2026-08 on public participation. The draft would reduce speaking time from five to three minutes, set a 30-minute cumulative comment limit, and limit non-agenda comments to four times annually. Commissioners discussed possible revisions, including a 45-minute total limit, allowing non-agenda comments as often as monthly, and allowing agenda comments at both work sessions and regular meetings; staff was asked to prepare a revised version. No final vote on the ordinance is shown. Public comments also raised concerns about growth, data centers, and public participation. The work session additionally included a public-safety award, employee recognition, and a presentation on the Gold Star family monument, which the county helped fund through sidewalk and foundation work.