County accepts $7,723 donation and pool timing equipment from Bullpen Boosters for aquatic center

Summary

The Bullpen Boosters offered $7,723.25 toward a new pool timing system and relinquished an existing SST timing system valued at $4,919. The county already has approximately $9,000 budgeted to pay the remaining cost, and commissioners approved accepting the donation and authorized an MOU to finalize the transfer.

The commission considered a private donation to the Appling County Aquatic Center. Representatives of the Bullpen Boosters offered $7,723.25 toward purchasing a new timing system and proposed to transfer an existing SST timing set (valued at $4,919) to county ownership.

Staff explained the complete timing system costs $21,688; the boosters' cash plus the donated equipment would reduce the county's out‑of‑pocket expense to the amount already budgeted (about $9,000). Before accepting private gifts county policy requires board approval; a commissioner moved to accept the monetary donation and equipment and to authorize the county manager (or designated signatory) to execute a memorandum of understanding documenting the transfer.

The board approved the motion. The county will assume responsibility for maintenance and repairs going forward.

Why this matters: the donation reduces the county's net cost for pool timing equipment used by school and recreation swim teams and converts privately owned equipment to public ownership under an MOU that clarifies maintenance responsibility.