County expand fire dept. staffing, approve Perry waterline agreement

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — During their second of two biweekly meetings in April, Houston County ‘s Commissioners voted to expand the full time staffing of one of their fire stations — an ongoing goal of the county’s — and discussed an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Perry to share the financial burden of a waterline necessary for a wastewater treatment facility at A.E. Harris Road.

Item two on the commissioners’ agenda was a personnel request from Fire Chief Chris Stoner. Approval of the request would bring nine new full time positions to Houston County’s fire station two — six firefighters, and three lieutenants. The funds for these new positions would come from the county’s Insurance Premium Tax, a fund that previously went towards reducing trash rates for county citizens. The board decided earlier this year to do away with the reduction to allow them to put the funds elsewhere, namely into moving their fire department into more full-time employment.

The item was approved unanimously by the board.

Commissioner Tal Talton commented on the applicants for these positions, voicing his appreciation for their skill and high level of training. Chairman Dan Perdue concurred, adding that the county was surprised at the caliber of applicants they received.

The commissioners also discussed an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Perry. This agreement, approved by the city the same day, allows the two governmental bodies to share the financial burden of ensuring the county’s infrastructural growth — this time, Houston County and Perry will split the cost of a new water line straight down the middle.

The total cost of the new waterline sums to be $564,082. The county will own and maintain the waterline. Both the waterline project and the agreement with the city of Perry were approved unanimously.

“This is an important project for growth on the east side for the city of Perry,” Perdue said. “They purchased this land from us, and this was the agreement when they purchased — that we would participate together in getting water service to their waste water treatment facility.”

Remaining on the agenda were multiple annexations, a memorandum of agreement with the health department, a bid approval on a new bulldozer for the county landfill, a contract renewal with the UGA Extension Office, and the paying of the bills — all of which were approved unanimously.

To access the agenda, video, or supporting documents for this meeting, visit the county’s website, or go to houstoncountyga.org/commissioner/meeting-minutes.cms. Commissioner meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers at the Perry Courthouse, or on the third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers of the Warner Robins Court House. The Commissioners’ next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 2, at 9:30 a.m.

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