[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6247020,"mediaKeyId","3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc","parentId",3213500,"title","County awards lead‑service-line inventory contract; field work will inspect roughly 3,300 services","audioSeconds",111,"startMs",8255000,"endMs",8366000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc&start=8255&end=8366","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc/thumbnail_8255000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6247020/Harris-County/Georgia/County-awards-leadservice-line-inventory-contract-field-work-will-inspect-roughly-3300-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247020-d9c6cbe6f8c44708a21c2226767547a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770538394&Signature=ch3c0eWyNSjdb0lEnUyOZKs3occ6vcBAc3OGVk1jg4QDcuQKlJ7FY4F4PT9dnOqz10j2FQBf8jwD5L8boh6fSYrvlQfUH7sWGXElp4a8ypO4y9uvxMmH78egmGwor5QoFRbhsF-zNV-m5gUpr3AUaFuLDWIhaeJPQTMbFkTjMe486AjSmm~60qIwywR~OtZ~tLySMlWG5VFTly9bTTNH9~XEt-5ezfubrf2MGpoJP9Jxjm2I0Oe4Yd58j~EUFZh9TJtiHtRHIcSHIDIbUfctIMu2ql5-pVcLeqv85~MeVsThv67tsL8auUH6qq3AyTHJBLleRvaA0M-fOHdjivVgSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-07T17:05:57.43Z","article","Harris County approved a contract on May 6 to complete field investigations of water services identified as “unknown” during an initial lead‑service‑line inventory required by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and U.S. EPA lead and copper rules.

Carden Sloop (staff) reported the county received three responsive bids and recommended the project be awarded to Vetter Construction at a base bid of $338,510. The contract covers field inspection work to determine material type for about 3,300 services (work will inspect the service from the meter to the house), document conditions and submit records to the state.

Funding: the county reported it received a $100,000 principal‑forgiveness grant from GIFA toward the inventory; it also described an award totaling $480,000 that included $120,000 in principal forgiveness and a remaining $360,000 structured as a 20‑year loan at an estimated 3.25% interest. County staff said any remaining funds from the loan could be used for service-line replacement if lead or galvanized lines are identified.

Unresolved issues and scope: staff emphasized that the current contract is for the inventory/field‑investigation phase only. The state has not yet specified how replacement costs (meter‑to‑foundation service segments) will be allocated; staff said the state may require a second phase and has not yet determined which party would be responsible for replacement costs.

Action taken: the Board approved the award and authorized county staff to execute necessary documents. Staff said the initial inventory must be completed before further replacement planning or funding decisions are made.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 6, 2025 Work Session and Commissioner's Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Harris County approved a contract May 6 to inspect about 3,300 water services identified as “unknown” in its lead‑service‑line inventory, with staff recommending the field‑investigation award to Vetter Construction at a base bid of $338,510.","taxTitle","Harris County, Georgia","taxId",28419,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6247025,"Board selects Anthem for county employee medical, dental and vision plans; employee contributions held",194,7886000,8080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc&start=7886&end=8080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc/thumbnail_7886000.jpg","/articles/6247025/Harris-County/Georgia/Board-selects-Anthem-for-county-employee-medical-dental-and-vision-plans-employee-contributions-held","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247025-a8117800bb355dd305c0321e125f65ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770538394&Signature=hc1z0ARbvdC15JMium-MIHejTr0nvdrAlG6ct0WGFblo~Ud2ynYi5UbfKtoEVNzREDzqQ03DD8PWsqBNrDlGBf50VeiRBpAxg5cSFDls5OZhM2lImQMxPRKqCghCYGZMoNK3wSJEVvesCPC7-CSWt23w-tiWcdbbLZocET4rk4gkWJ6ERl3WdxK5j5l8Ob0YqI~AQXcZxVDK6GOCf42JafvDqIPRgWgZXkziIfQbLRVxv8HEX0e-6cALpeezgmy2DX5d9O5wbFLlGo-YtG3IURjKdj717dPer3xH~NPw1Yp6qBc466wHDTrvaTe5VBWWLclvLwNNit0xBV7UutsCeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harris County commissioners voted May 6 to switch the county’s medical, dental and vision insurance to Anthem and to leave life and disability benefit providers unchanged.

John Leggett, the county’s health‑insurance broker with MSI Benefits Group, told the Board he solicited market quotes after an initial renewal from the incumbent insurer was substantially higher. Leggett said the most competitive fully insured option was a matching‑benefit offering from Anthem; with the county holding current employee deductions, the Anthem option produced an estimated increase “just under 5%.”

County Manager Cheryl had earlier told the Board that the county’s healthcare broker recommended Anthem and observed a roughly 4.76% increase in the recommended option. The broker said keeping current employee deductions was the recommended approach so employees do not see their take‑home pay offset by increased premiums.

Open enrollment is scheduled for June 2 and June 3 at the convenience center, and the county will move dental and vision to Anthem as well. Voluntary life and short‑term disability options will see only minor employee cost adjustments, and the county-provided basic life ($25,000) and employer-paid long‑term disability were not changed in the approved motion.

Action taken: the Board made and carried a motion to select Anthem for medical, dental and vision coverage and to maintain existing employee deductions; life and disability providers remain unchanged.","After competitive review, commissioners approved changing the county’s medical, dental and vision coverage to Anthem (matching existing plan design) and to hold employee deductions; broker John Leggett said the change would keep the county’s increase to roughly the mid‑single digits compared with renewal alternatives.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6247030,"Commissioners review proposed fee increases for animal control, park rentals, solid waste and recommended water rate changes",137,1486000,1623000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc&start=1486&end=1623","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc/thumbnail_1486000.jpg","/articles/6247030/Harris-County/Georgia/Commissioners-review-proposed-fee-increases-for-animal-control-park-rentals-solid-waste-and-recommended-water-rate-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247030-05f121436557e26b67bd43d219135921/orig.mp4?Expires=1770538394&Signature=nOw8F0~7MUF4b2e4MQ~JRimuZbeyEMP3WkpX29FtqP0k1E8RlTCrH6MVyheBiheah8xxQb3blcVD~vS4Q3-SUB0oZjHJH~YClg3ZVMnc~UA8s-lnUiPZf5uIffZWJLBCDDuFyRyjdV4B12GSOY5PTcY4zijD7joTsZ3yg~DWTQdF7PqqiLPJ5ewkV6o~NyO6IYy0nQZJLVspbetoE9MdZ5-XXpj2cM0W8iO19GPNd36DD4SRXQCTyT2IcANCYvRV-lM-bSnMXn6KfN4f14AOAvRWwdtON1wa6NSZ6KFvLbghu7CGcH8S9YSjxn469ja-V76Xd9LhVgm6tDFP4rTgGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harris County commissioners discussed a set of fee and rate changes tied to the FY2026 budget at the May 6 work session, including animal control registration fees, out‑of‑county rental charges at Ellersley (Donna Ellersley Park), solid‑waste fees and recommended water‑rate increases from the county’s consultants.

County Manager Cheryl walked the board through departmental requests and recommended adjustments. On animal control, staff proposed raising owner turn‑in fees from $35 to $50, eliminating the grooming fee, and adding a convenience/credit‑card charge. The county discussed and reached a decision to align nuisance and potentially dangerous dog registration at $75 for both categories after board comment.

Park rentals: staff proposed raising the out‑of‑county daily rental for Donna Ellersley Park from $300 to $400. Commissioners debated larger increases; discussion coalesced around $500 for out‑of‑county rentals (roughly double the in‑county rate), with at least one commissioner noting heavy wear-and-tear from non‑county renters and that the facility is frequently booked.

Solid waste: staff said the county’s per‑ton or per‑tire pricing remains below some peers and that the county offers a two‑day annual tire‑amnesty program to reduce illegal disposal. Commissioners asked staff to review fees for commercial trailers and out‑of‑county customers; staff said they would return with a more detailed evaluation.

Water rates: county staff presented recommendations from consultants Carter & Sloot to phase in higher water rates. Representative figures presented in the packet included a proposed residential minimum of $16.32 for 0–1,000 gallons; tier 1 at $6.50 per 1,000 gallons and tier 2 at $8.20 per 1,000 gallons, with corresponding multifamily and industrial schedules. Staff said the proposed increases are expected to generate about $1.2 million in additional revenue annually once fully implemented; commissioners noted last year’s incremental increases and that a phased approach avoids steep future increases.

What’s next: staff will refine the solid‑waste fee analysis and return updated fee schedules. The water‑rate recommendations will proceed through the budget process and public hearings; the county indicated the tiered increases are a continuation of earlier consultant guidance and that some minimums were already adjusted last year.","During the FY2026 budget work session Harris County staff proposed fee adjustments for animal control registrations, out‑of‑county park rentals, solid‑waste fees and a phased water‑rate increase recommended by consultants Carter & Sloot intended to generate roughly $1.2 million in additional annual revenue.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6247035,"Harris County presents FY2026 proposed budget; no millage increase proposed",376,251000,627000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc&start=251&end=627","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc/thumbnail_251000.jpg","/articles/6247035/Harris-County/Georgia/Harris-County-presents-FY2026-proposed-budget-no-millage-increase-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247035-076a0cf5bd24272ca88f6f7f821478ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770538394&Signature=I1n0mAaeofDbElEq34dqunqMCD1ZivdH6N9qIyuohLX6RCa3vRVVcVoO9hvqg8RqEwDFQcKtkokdowA3ns9p8V4qxm0ukqtS2MIYBUrL41a9C4bWl9jnBq1JjVMdPcMo05hgMy-v5TOiN9p2SYMYBt-g1Z3AyIYH8ZfJa-DZigApFT9ipT~QiacUeOSoJJHumAh4diQ866pt~hTtNe57FNd~QnGzNlteibRp3xKgRa3J2DMDTZkzaUAotNKHx3nGD7MyxagALMknUWN~rT8wYG6bNqsWvZ1Q9GUhdjomh3ZVAPpXGQurJdg-oYXnRmHHbJDehBS~qLy1n8ujx~mfeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harris County presented its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget during a May 6 budget work session, with County Manager Cheryl saying the all-funds proposal totals $65,622,604 and is down $5,595,852, a 7.85% decrease from the prior year.

Cheryl told the Board the proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living increase effective July 1 and a 1% longevity allowance, and “the proposed budget does not anticipate a millage increase.” She said the budget as presented assumes access to reserves (she described the proposal as using about 8.5% in reserves) to balance remaining gaps.

Why it matters: the proposed spending plan lays out recurring personnel increases and a slate of capital projects funded by a mix of grants and local SPLOST/T-SPLOST sources. Commissioners will review the proposal at future budget hearings on June 3 and June 17 before final adoption.

Key facts and highlights presented

- Total proposed all-fund budget: $65,622,604 (a decrease of $5,595,852 from the prior year).
- Personnel: 3% COLA (effective July 1) and 1% longevity increase (on anniversary month).
- Reserves: the manager said the proposed budget assumes using reserves (described in discussion as 8.5% of the budget) to balance remaining shortfalls.
- Cash balances: the county ended June 2024 with $34.7 million in operating funds; as of April 25, those operating funds were $33.1 million, roughly $1 million lower than June 2024, the manager said.

Capital and project highlights called out in the presentation

- Community center: $75,000 for fitness equipment.
- Development Authority / Northwest Harris Business Park: $100,000 in professional/technical services for site preparation (the county discussed starting with $100,000 in FY2026 and programming the bulk of costs in the following year for full site readiness).
- Radio system (non-departmental): $1,036,511.
- LRA (GDOT) / LMIG funding: the manager reported receiving approximately $1,103,000 in LRA/LRIG monies; a previously planned resurfacing (Hopewell Church Road) is funded at about $930,000.
- Courthouse renovations: $1,500,000 (identified as a capital project funded by SPLOST/T-SPLOST sources where applicable).
- Elevated water tank (Mulberry Grove): $2,400,000 (ARPA and SPLOST cited as funding sources).
- Roads and bridges: $1,400,000 from T-SPLOST.
- Airport: a $750,000 award for terminal expansion was noted; the county also discussed a potential $1,600,000 GDOT/FAA/state grant for hangar site preparation with an estimated local share of roughly $88,825 if the grant is received.
- Water system projects listed included continuing the US‑27 water project ($50,000), a line inventory ($580,000), PFAS work ($627,000), and seven generators ($657,000). The county is also budgeting for purchased water costs (example figures presented: $1,200,000 from Columbus; $125,000 from Talbot County) and newly assessed Georgia Power reservoir/access charges.

Discussion and next steps

Commissioners and staff discussed the use of reserves, cash balances, and the timing of projects that depend on grant awards. The manager said some capital items were included in the proposed budget in anticipation of receiving grant funds; she cautioned that projects would only proceed if the external funding is awarded. Commissioners asked for supporting documents and a brief “cheat sheet” explaining the main drivers of a roughly 21% increase in general‑fund expenditures compared with two years prior, noting that part of that change reflects new departmental budgets (e.g., a newly active development authority) and two recent salary studies.

No final adoption vote was taken; the presentation was the opening budget work session. The Board scheduled additional hearings (public hearings advertised for June 3 and June 17) where commissioners will consider adjustments and take formal action.","County Manager Cheryl presented a $65.6 million all-funds FY2026 proposed budget that is about $5.6 million (7.85%) lower than last year, would use reserves, includes a 3% cost-of-living increase and 1% longevity pay, and funds multiple capital projects if grants and SPLOST/T-SPLOST monies are realized.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6247015,"Board awards five‑year airport consulting contract to LeadEdge",102,7616000,7718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc&start=7616&end=7718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213500-ad0108ad3762908de4e26ed70dcf49cc/thumbnail_7616000.jpg","/articles/6247015/Harris-County/Georgia/Board-awards-fiveyear-airport-consulting-contract-to-LeadEdge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247015-1706f3a466853c70f33f1e29efa4351b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770538394&Signature=OCZxr4AQqCeu8cpYhkvPIsN~lFW5sZ1byPN8kUAznP6roaz21KTEKKfNNcRcF2jQv2YB~lTPNak~Diag3TlzZ2PCDTyW3FYmxR8VK8TnMxu0EEQHmr3j27det0yE1C4jmLKdckTZpqBfx2fDCaQGmMSXNH7u6QrQOuvf~bprU1VXp9gYyguxOT~ATC2HtbR~dNRleSRYPhXOfI3EUGANRAKZ2kDw~6GvTzCoOC6nre41WxfyHZ57EmPHpSGtBplRtrO6WNzGK6nJIK3PH9A0Qfga2NNwsighCaZ~5Ke8ZnpAM3OegydKuSHfKw0Ut1Gy~TNdVg-IbaHjROuzo~S4Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harris County’s Board of Commissioners voted May 6 to award a five‑year airport consulting contract to LeadEdge (effective July 1, 2025) after a competitive RFQ process.

Staff reported three responsive submittals and said a three‑member selection committee (subset of the airport committee including Linda Dawson, Andrea Zobah and Chairman Rob Grant) recommended LeadEdge for airport master planning, grant‑application support and design work for a five‑year term through June 30, 2030. The county attorney noted minor edits to the agreement to set the effective date to July 1 and to clarify indemnity language \"to the extent permitted by Georgia law,\" and staff confirmed the consultant agreed to those changes.

LeadEdge consultant Phil Eberly attended and gave brief remarks praising the airport and congratulating county leadership on recent progress. The Board approved the contract, authorized execution of the agreements and noted the county’s open house and upcoming airport events.

Action taken: motion carried to award the RFQ to LeadEdge and authorize execution of the related agreements.","Following a competitive RFQ, the Board approved LeadEdge as the county’s airport master‑planning and design consultant for a five‑year term beginning July 1, 2025; the county attorney made limited edits to clarify indemnity language.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County awards lead‑service-line inventory contract; field work will inspect roughly 3,300 services

Board selects Anthem for county employee medical, dental and vision plans; employee contributions held

Commissioners review proposed fee increases for animal control, park rentals, solid waste and recommended water rate changes

Harris County presents FY2026 proposed budget; no millage increase proposed

Board awards five‑year airport consulting contract to LeadEdge