[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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],{"_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",6246095,"mediaKeyId","3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e","parentId",3220188,"title","Henry County stormwater staff briefs commissioners on MS4 responsibilities and stormwater fee use","audioSeconds",247,"startMs",1959000,"endMs",2206000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e&start=1959&end=2206","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e/thumbnail_1959000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6246095/Henry-County/Georgia/Henry-County-stormwater-staff-briefs-commissioners-on-MS4-responsibilities-and-stormwater-fee-use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246095-eb4919574e2730623ac86665379080aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452962&Signature=UK~nSLJSnXy7HikUowInSiNlT2no2BdzEjgJc8sc4G7-Cdj4YydDysCekfu3AYbiIhQ-YMtTV3s6ZX0GoOrTCCOPmXBuuOBH6RIAAm2y5ICZuQPqFhraAZ8dVZwbHoEJ6zCDQMNvoz01UqDxaU9TuU44akHMMGNorPiIxPeBEj5QwvADtqVQKOY66dq~8pECnKiYW7rZABPR8MBZTA37AUxnN8i9FXljDKKZNviv2yVhAoDc6sjfgGir~r7JaUHVmNhG7HOWTsuQgX996LgTP79vlyT3kQ1GONVic6zQESuJ8QMqadtZ5DvI9LrvLuhymiUtGHT8hI5UYyRBOMgq2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-07T04:19:27Z","article","County stormwater staff presented an overview of Henry County’s stormwater responsibilities and how the county uses its stormwater fee to comply with federal and state water-quality regulations. The briefing occurred during the May 6 Board of Commissioners meeting and described regulatory obligations, project workload and funding sources.

The presenter, identified as Josue De Jesus, explained that Henry County operates as an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting and related Georgia Environmental Protection Division requirements. Staff listed core compliance responsibilities including public education, illicit-discharge detection and elimination, construction-site and post-construction stormwater controls, and ongoing maintenance and inspections of county-owned stormwater infrastructure.

De Jesus said the stormwater program currently manages about 19 contracted projects totaling roughly $5.4 million, plus additional in-house work. He noted that the stormwater fee collected by the county helps fund maintenance, inspections, construction and other program needs. Staff also described the county’s responsibilities to inspect post-construction stormwater facilities such as ponds, enforce erosion-and-sediment controls at active construction sites, and pursue good-housekeeping practices on county properties to limit pollutant runoff.

De Jesus invited members of the public to discuss individual concerns after the meeting and answered a question from the board. The presentation reiterated the link between federal Clean Water Act requirements, the state Environmental Protection Division, and county ordinances and practices that carry the program’s work at the local level.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Meeting | May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County stormwater staff explained MS4 regulatory responsibilities under the Clean Water Act, noted about $5.4 million in contracted and in-house stormwater projects, and said the county’s stormwater fee funds inspections, construction oversight and maintenance.","taxTitle","Henry County, Georgia","taxId",12817,"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},6246100,"Henry County approves SPLOST-funded resurfacing contracts and multiple design services for road widenings",1004,4500000,5504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e&start=4500&end=5504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e/thumbnail_4500000.jpg","/articles/6246100/Henry-County/Georgia/Henry-County-approves-SPLOST-funded-resurfacing-contracts-and-multiple-design-services-for-road-widenings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246100-31916f4e08cbb187b4a3e89f4202413c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452962&Signature=mZaqe680wu0w9824xIC-VDgVOULojXa7DPbxWMJzwAZblbIegatafNbNleKClLFXiXdsmrnlFg1ULqJ2kQ5rAlXAOe0C4opmbByUX-DCPFoMtJ5KNl40rKRRD4FUdJ9oy~Wuw-42t6KX4AWA5JF1v78MP9mGl8AMLyda2D7D1ONUSoVO2VFZIVoCUr52s7wOTu9at8AgMFkBABRhbkI4TGb4QbYMpC4agdLZig3JrG31X69Z7ryRuwFAH9IWgoPxW7drwR-EHeHQUqWSsCkI5HCLVhLqEy~QlsNRWmkPdQcBzAGUfauwds9A4v7bSzVIUSu9M8oseMKl3LkFq05D5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Henry County commissioners on May 6 approved a series of SPLOST 6 road projects: a low bid of $15,861,270 from CW Matthews to resurface an initial set of roads (about 21 miles across multiple districts), and design-service agreements or supplemental design funds for major widening projects including Bill Gardner Parkway, Oak Grove, Jonesboro (phase 2), East Atlanta Road, and Joteco (Jericho) Road.

Transportation staff said the resurfacing batch 1 covers roughly 21 miles across Districts 1–5 and includes portions that overlap with the City of Stockbridge under intergovernmental agreements; batch 2 and batch 3 contracts were out for bid with additional mileage planned. County staff noted that combining city and county projects lowered unit prices and improved overall value.

A supplemental design agreement for Bill Gardner Parkway (TISPLUS project) was presented to cover additional stormwater measures requested by the Henry County Water Authority—an estimated $182,800 in additional design funding—to provide pollution and temperature-reduction features and sediment ponds to protect a downstream reservoir. Rocky (County Transportation) said right-of-way acquisition for Bill Gardner is about 41% complete; some acquisitions are on hold pending the additional design work for pond impacts.

The board approved design-service contracts through a qualifications process: Kimberly-Horn & Associates (Oak Grove widening design; fee $2,775,400); Kimberly-Horn & Associates (Jonesboro Road phase 2 design; fee $3,474,000); STV Incorporated (East Atlanta Road design; fee $1,219,600); and TransSystem Corporation (Joteco/Jericho Road widening design; fee $1,985,000). Rocky said funding for these services is available through SPLOST 6. Commissioners emphasized coordination across districts and with cities to align multimodal elements such as multi-use paths and lighting and to reduce duplication during construction.

The board also discussed Local Road Assistance (LRA) funds from GDOT that require no local match and said staff will return with a recommended list of roads to apply those funds to. County leaders said combining district funds and intergovernmental agreements helps accelerate projects and reduce unit costs. The motions to award the resurfacing bid and to approve the design-service agreements passed with board support.","The Board approved a $15.86 million low bid for a multi-district road resurfacing package and authorized design contracts and supplemental design work for several SPLOST 6 road-widening projects, including Bill Gardner Parkway, Oak Grove, Jonesboro, East Atlanta and Joteco (Jericho) Road segments.",{"_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},6246105,"Henry Connect bus pilot approved: fixed route from Stockbridge to McDonough, $850K capital cost and $650K annual operations estimated",1191,5716000,6907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e&start=5716&end=6907","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e/thumbnail_5716000.jpg","/articles/6246105/Henry-County/Georgia/Henry-Connect-bus-pilot-approved-fixed-route-from-Stockbridge-to-McDonough-850K-capital-cost-and-650K-annual-operations-estimated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246105-7b0f499b8a28b5098a6b82aa0364f793/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452962&Signature=PhfVlFDQpsqddkFI7ZkZTwa1IMZiTdga8VkiFmlKWMoiEam5TbPA2p2ChE9MoOtjZ8OvSmxrJ9tw9woyA7lgmRDAIWY2QN0AJjDmWIqNF~A9RYrt-m6srdZRYIoPzsw~s5Rk2-yeQuYuPXygJYnHZ62T84bfkENEzSHjogae3plE7~q2zug0fk9lb3JBDnC3dv-BulvRL2qB0Ye0rX83b9vpM9mG1gaSAPGVD3KLa1QMgmTYti61hOxMeywGlmg06gwPn3Mf1IvK5mo7g40JxmtfFyheKSCrReL5BqxmEg2PnQcRNOBBK9fVQX5~xlm2wwIsDx3tNjNgfItd50oxjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Henry County commissioners on May 6 approved a pilot fixed-route bus service called Henry Connect, running between Stockbridge and Downtown McDonough, and adopted a bus stop placemaking plan for four initial shelters. Officials said the pilot aims to begin service in fall 2025, run weekdays from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with 60-minute frequency and a one-way fare estimated at $2.50.

Transit staff and consultants told the board the pilot route connects major destinations including Downtown McDonough, Stockbridge City Hall and amphitheater, Piedmont Henry Hospital and the Stockbridge Park & Ride. Planners estimate 23,800 residents and more than 9,000 jobs lie within a half mile of the proposed stops. Initial capital costs for signage, stops and basic amenities were estimated at $850,000, with annual operating costs about $650,000. County staff said federal operating grant support of roughly $1.6 million over three years is available, with a local match of approximately $400,000 over that period; after three years the board will reassess funding and performance.

The county presented a companion creative placemaking plan to design stops that reflect local identity. Consultants described four concept stops: a courthouse/library-inspired stop in McDonough, a train-themed stop at Alexander Park West, a music-themed stop near Stockbridge City Hall, and a branded stop along Jonesboro Road. The plan includes community engagement steps, artist involvement, and recommendations for safety features such as lighting, cameras and mid-block crossings where appropriate.

Commissioners asked about service hours, stops in Locust Grove and Hampton, shelter lighting and crosswalk safety. Consultants and transit staff said Locust Grove and Hampton were invited to participate; Hampton did not. Staff said other routes identified in the county’s transit master plan could add those cities later. Transit staff confirmed senior ride-on-demand service remains available countywide and will be coordinated with the new fixed route.

Board members and city representatives noted intergovernmental coordination will be needed for stop construction and for road-widening projects that might affect stop siting; staff said temporary stop locations could be used while larger corridor projects proceed and that SPLOST project teams would coordinate designs to avoid duplicative work. The board approved both the Henry Connect pilot route implementation and the bus stop placemaking plan by unanimous votes; staff will proceed with NEPA checklist, paratransit planning, scheduling, signage procurement and driver hiring ahead of the planned fall launch.","The Board approved a pilot fixed-route bus service (Henry Connect) between Stockbridge and Downtown McDonough, plus a county bus stop placemaking plan. Federal seed funding will cover initial operations; capital and stop-design plans were discussed.",{"_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},6246110,"Henry County presents $287.8 million FY26 budget proposal, holds public hearing; adoption set for May 28",1904,2246000,4150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e&start=2246&end=4150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220188-0c0f5619228abf7f9ff13eab5d08f71e/thumbnail_2246000.jpg","/articles/6246110/Henry-County/Georgia/Henry-County-presents-2878-million-FY26-budget-proposal-holds-public-hearing-adoption-set-for-May-28","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246110-b0d62140b5fe61760c2501916385acb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452962&Signature=M4ICdpqvKefHb8xyKdrflF6saUluz5acvKpFgv8I7nzo70IGDXmm5OuZo9rBljBTKNhSBig7zwYay3cfjRiHX3hZozFIHrvL6w99PkTm6PoPEVTfxIVVphBMZ5n5uyN11s8FdeUnp9-tH0Xe2pw4p8MVoipt4rpOdyFdSOeuSHz720qZn5IwugJ3VkCuIDjFhSnPvOvV7ukTFvSzcBD7AVY8--sj-TsE5vYaYgn1BrjoxArcne1H-T~vuf-YOBaqsY4DWvORngkLhprDlN9C7WrwUmUAk6MT6C1is4P8lhaFKxGxjJPiLdqU6kDrvZY~tLk7RGhJljoGm2GNINGpBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Henry County officials presented a proposed $287,800,000 general fund and special service district budget at a public hearing May 6, 2025, maintaining the current millage rate of 15.733 mills and proposing no change to the county’s tax rate. The proposal funds public safety expansions, road and parks investments and 78 new positions, and county leaders set a second public hearing and formal adoption vote for May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

County financial staff said the FY26 proposal is $28.1 million, or 10.8%, higher than the FY25 adopted budget and aims to avoid relying on fund balance for recurring operations. County leadership said the recommended budget supports three specific additions: the North Mount Carmel Recreation Center, a newly established Henry County Police Academy (classes scheduled to begin July 2025), and preparations for opening two new fire stations in FY26–FY27. Major line items highlighted include $6 million for debt payments; $4.2 million for longevity and cost-of-living adjustments; $3.2 million for insurance and pension increases; $3.3 million for inmate medical and additional jail personnel; $2 million for additional fire personnel for Stations 17 and 18; and $1.8 million for other critical personnel needs.

Financial services told commissioners departmental requests totaled $36.4 million for personnel and operating expenses, of which $9.7 million was recommended; county leaders said the recommendation trims about $27 million from original requests because of uncertainties including tariff impacts, potential litigation over impact fees, and grant-audit related delays. The county reported losing $337,000 in grant funding during FY25 and expects reimbursements of approximately $390,000 tied to FY24 grant expenses once outstanding audits are completed.

Commissioners and staff debated revenue assumptions and the effect of last year’s 3-mill increase. Commissioner Johnny Wilson pressed staff on the budget’s insurance and pension increases and asked whether the county should consider rollbacks or spending reductions because the county projects roughly $10.4 million in additional property tax revenue growth. Financial staff and the county manager explained the FY25 3-mill increase supported special service districts (public safety, parks and recreation) and that much of the additional revenue is committed to those districts or to capital purchases; staff said meaningful reductions without layoffs would require cuts across many nonrevenue departments. County leadership pointed to growth assumptions (1.35% real growth plus 2.65% inflationary growth) and said the budget was constructed from priorities commissioners identified in one-on-one meetings.

Public safety needs took up substantial hearing time: Fire Chief Pat Wilson said Henry County handles about 40,000 calls per year and estimates the county will ultimately need about five more stations beyond the three currently planned (Stations 17–19) to keep pace with growth and response-time targets; county staff also noted the Insurance Services Office (ISO) recommendation of 25 stations for the county compared with 16 currently in service. The budget includes funds for additional fire personnel and apparatus; staff said public safety represents roughly 52% of the county operating budget.

CFO staff said the county has completed the FY2023 audit and is working on FY2024 with a target completion date of June 30 to July 2025; staff said completing audits is a prerequisite to restoring previously delayed grant funding. Speakers from the public and commissioners emphasized the need to protect seniors on fixed incomes affected by last year’s millage change while preserving funding for roads, parks and public safety.

The hearing closed without a vote on the budget; staff said adoption would be requested at the May 28 meeting after the second public hearing. Members of the public who spoke were invited to submit further comments during the interim and staff offered to meet with commissioners to review district-level spending details.","Henry County presented a FY2026 budget proposal of $287.8 million that maintains the current millage rate and funds public safety, roads and parks. County officials held a public hearing May 6 and scheduled final adoption for May 28 after a second public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Henry County stormwater staff briefs commissioners on MS4 responsibilities and stormwater fee use

Henry County approves SPLOST-funded resurfacing contracts and multiple design services for road widenings

Henry Connect bus pilot approved: fixed route from Stockbridge to McDonough, $850K capital cost and $650K annual operations estimated

Henry County presents $287.8 million FY26 budget proposal, holds public hearing; adoption set for May 28