Board of Commissioners Work Session (07/14/2026)

The Paulding County Board of Commissioners held a work session on July 14, 2026, which included several procurement and contract discussions. Key procurement actions included authorization to purchase two custom fire pumper apparatuses for approximately $1.99 million, funded by fire tax and SPLOST, to improve public safety infrastructure with expedited delivery and fleet standardization benefits. The board also considered a $97,000 contract with Kimley Horn for utility relocation design services related to the New Hope corridor water and sewer project, funded through the renewal and extension fund. Additionally, a $67,600 annual service and support agreement with Kindle Supply Company was approved for software supporting water meter analytics. The board discussed a contract with Rafelis for a financial model update to assist in water and sewer rate planning, and authorized local government lighting project agreements with the Georgia Department of Transportation for two roundabout projects, with the county assuming future maintenance costs. Public comments focused heavily on concerns about data center developments, including calls for moratoriums, transparency, environmental and community impact assessments, and citizen opposition to current zoning and approval processes. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming public information sessions on transportation projects and a reminder of the board's open-door policy for citizen engagement.