The Columbia County Board of Commissioners will hold its first millage rate hearing today, Tuesday, July 16.
The hearing will take place at 5:45 p.m. in the auditorium at the Evans Government Center complex. The county is proposing a millage rate of 4.795 mills, which is a decrease from last year. This is the first of three hearings on the rate.
MORE: Harlem City Council hosts first millage rate hearing for 2024
Following the millage rate hearing, the Board of Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. There are several rezonings and variance requests on the agenda, including one for a proposed drive-thru Chick-fil-A only at 4329 Belair Frontage Road
Staff is recommending, with conditions, the approval of the variance. According to the agenda document, the condition is that “a landscape plan shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect.”
A contract for the installation of a mini-roundabout at the Intersection of Riverwood Parkway and General Wood Parkway is also on the agenda. According to the agenda document, the county has received many calls about safety concerns about the intersection. The county has made improvements to the area, including new crosswalk safety lighting, upgraded signage and pavement markings, and new sidewalks on or near the right-of-way, but has not done operational improvements.
“As there is no programmed project funds for operational improvements at this location, staff developed a surface improvement only mini-roundabout plan that would provide operational improvements in addition to enhancing safety,” according to the agenda document. “Staff has estimated the project can be constructed under $300k and within 30 days if managed by internal forces: The Roads & Bridges Department would perform the site prep work and project management. The Road Construction Department would procure separate bids for the concrete construction and asphalt paving. This is contingent on the individual bids coming in at less than $200k each.”
Upon approval, work will begin with an estimated completion before the 2024-2025 school year begins on Aug. 5.
Staff is recommending approval of the contract.
To view the full agendas for both meetings, visit columbiacountyga.gov.
