Commissioners lament rising costs of improvements

The White County Board of Commissioners agreed to much-needed improvements for county properties Monday evening, but lamented the skyrocketing cost of materials needed to do the work.

Commissioners awarded All About Asphalt of Athens, Ga. the bid to add a concrete apron at Fire Station #2 on Duncan Bridge Road, as well as to perform drainage work on the parking lot.

All About Asphalt was the only bidder on the project, with a bid of $192,504.

“This project would have cost half this amount two years ago,” commission chairman Travis Turner said. He added that many local contractors are devoting their efforts to work on private projects at this time.

“I know we don’t like it when we only have one bid, but it needs to be done,” said Commissione Lyn Holcomb.

Commissioners also agreed to purchase an aluminum box culvert to replace failed drainage pipes beneath Barrett Mill Road at a cost of $192,887.

“Last month this price was $4,000 cheaper,” Public Works Director Derick Canupp told commissioners. “Aluminum has gone up that much in just a month.”

Commissioners agreed the work needs to be done as soon as possible.

“We have had flooding issues and a lot of problems” in the area, Turner said.

In other business, commissioners agreed to keep the current Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) split with local municipalities. White County will continue to receive 60 percent of LOST funds, with the cities of Helen and Cleveland each receiving 20 percent.

“We have to do this every 10 years,” Turner said. “It’s good to have good relationships with our municipalities.”

Commissioners also approved a proclamation requested by the White County Chamber of Commerce to declare May 1-7 as Small Business Week.

Commissioners have scheduled a called meeting for Thursday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

Because of the Memorial Day holiday, they will hold their next work session and regular meeting Monday, June 6 at 4:30 p.m.