Perry’s comprehensive plan shifting to regional commission over disagreements with consultant

PERRY — The city’s comprehensive plan is seeing a shift as Perry council approved for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission to complete the project, canceling its contract with previous consulting firm TSW. 

During the meeting on Thursday, July 21, a public hearing on the comprehensive plan was originally scheduled, but due to this transition with the MGRC, it will be rescheduled to a later date. 

According to the agenda, on April 30, city staff was made aware that two TSW principals involved with the project were no longer with the firm. The agenda document says city staff had lost confidence in TSW completing the project to the city’s satisfaction. 

Concerns raised by the city included infrequent and incomplete communication with staff and inability to handle requests in a timely manner. This started after the two principals left the firm.

The city also felt there were unproductive meetings like the first steering committee and public information session on July 9. 

In the document, Smith said he has had two discussions with TSW about their concerns and dissatisfaction. 

In a statement to the Houston Home Journal, TSW said, “TSW values the opportunity to partner with communities across Georgia and appreciates the opportunity to have contributed to the city of Perry’s Comprehensive Plan. We respect the city’s decision and wish the community well as the planning process moves forward.”

The city paid a total of $78,378.30 to TSW for their work through June 30. Since the city didn’t cancel the contract until mid-July, they could receive an additional invoice. 

During the city council meeting, Laura Mathis, MGRC’s Executive Director, said there will be no additional charge to the city. This is because the city is a member of MGRC. It is funded by federal, state and local governments. 

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission develops, promotes and assists in establishing coordinated and comprehensive planning in the state. They are also working with Houston County and the City of Warner Robins on their comprehensive plans. 

The city said the commission is familiar with the city and its plan. 

Mathis provided a timeline to Mayor Randall Walker and the council, saying they will use the survey and engagement activities already completed. They plan to have a draft plan available by October 29. They will then send that draft to the Department of Community Affairs by December 18. 

There will be two public hearings, and dates will be announced at a later time. 

Mayor and council will hold their next pre-council meeting at 5 p.m. and the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4. Everyone is invited to attend, and the agenda is available on the city’s website before meetings. Both meetings are also livestreamed on YouTube.