Dougherty County officials OK group’s bylaws change

ALBANY — The Dougherty County Commission voted Monday to approve a plan that will allow the commission’s chairman to alternate years with the mayor of Albany as representative members of the Southwest Georgia Local Elected Officials board.

Chairman Chris Cohilas brought the matter to the board.

“The board amended their bylaws to have one representative of each county’s executive arm serve on the (Southwest Georgia Local Elected Officials) board as a way to assure that there is a quorum at each meeting,” Cohilas said. “Both Mayor (Dorothy) Hubbard and I were at the meeting, and while they recommended that the chairman of each county’s commission serve as the representative, the mayor and I requested that they amend the bylaws so that the chairman and the mayor can alternate years of service on the board.

“We both felt this was the best way to handle this issue, but before I voted on the matter, I wanted to bring it to you to make sure this board approves.”

County Administrator Richard Crowdis said the state allocates funds to the local elected officials group to help with work force development.

The board’s action came at the end of a brief business meeting, during which the commission voted to purchase two 2015 F-150 pickups for the county’s jail from low bidder Wade Ford of Smyrna, whose bid came in at $25,148 per vehicle; OK’d a resolution declaring a Dougherty Police Department Dodge charger surplus and authorizing its sale as such, and approved new policy that will allow pay for employees who are not called to duty when they are on call.

The commission also accepted a trophy on behalf of the county signifying county employees’ water station at the Snickers Marathon and Half Marathon, which was held downtown Saturday, as the best along the 26.2-mile marathon route.

“As always, all of our employees were proud to be a part of the marathon and to be recognized for the work we did on our water station,” Assistant Public Works Director Chuckie Mathis told commissioners.

Cohilas said of the weekend marathon and Mardi Gras celebration, “This is such a great event that highlights the spirit of collaboration between the city and county.”

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