VALDOSTA – The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners agenda Tuesday evening was extensive with appointments, routine annual renewals and a bid approval for a new elevated water tower.

Steve Stalvey, the county’s utilities director, introduced the water tower bid to the commissioners at the work session Monday morning.

He explained the need for a new water tower results from recent growth and expansion. The tower would be located at 2650 James Road Extension.

Showed documents said the tower would supply adequate pressure and capacity to the Exit 13 and 16 corridor.

“After discussions with staff and LEA a 500,000-gallon pedesphere elevated tank was determined to be the best option,” Stalvey said.

Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker of District 3 asked for clarification on the location of the tower. The utilities director said the tower would be located on the south of U.S. Route 84.

The staff received three bids from Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors in the amount of $3,551,666, Pittsburg Tank in the amount of $3,819,238 and Caldwell Tank in the amount of $4,317,500.

Document showed the project would be funded through the ARPA – American Rescue Plan Act – budget.

Wisenbaker motioned to approve the contract with Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors with a second from Commissioner Demarcus Marshall of District 4. Approval was unanimous.

The board lastly approved three separate bids on the following items: security services at the Human Resources building, three roll-up doors for county buildings that were damaged during Hurricane Idalia, and Moody Air Force Base emergency backup water connection for the base water system.

Appointments

Commissioner Joyce Evans of District 1 and Michael Smith, who is also the Greater Valdosta United Way president & CEO, were reappointed to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority.

The terms of Scott Purvis and Crawford Powell have expired for the Lowndes County Public Facilities Authority. Purvis was reappointed to the authority, and the commissioners tabled the second vacancy for a future meeting.

During the work session, the commissioners were introduced to the new CASA Executive Director Elaine Grice. CASA helps ensure that a qualified, compassionate adult — a CASA volunteer — will bring a sense of urgency to meet the needs of all children by advocating for their best interests and improving their experiences in foster care.

Other actions

The board approved two separate beer and wine licenses for both Mohammad Warraich Of Bahagaywalia Corporation DBA Citgo — 4460 Shiloh Rd., Valdosta, GA and Neel Patel Of Neel Om Ent LLC, DBA One Stop #4 — 5112 Clyattville Lake Park Rd., Valdosta, GA. Both requesters currently hold a license for the sale of beer consumption off premises and were requesting to add wine.

The commissioners heard from several department heads such as Finance Director Stephanie Black and Humane Resources Director Kevin L. Beals on considerations and annual renewal tasks. The board also approved two real estate purchases after amending the agenda.

The other agenda items that were individually approved were:

• Setting of Qualifying Fees for the 2024 Elections
• 2024 Holiday Schedule
• Section 125 Plan Document Renewal for 2024
• 2024 ACCG Workers’ Compensation Insurance Renewal
• 2024 Stop Loss Insurance Coverage Renewal
• 2024 Commission Meeting Calendar
• The adoption of FY 2024 — 2025 Budget Calendar
• Lowndes County Juvenile Accountability Court (LCJAC) FY24 Enhancement and Innovation Award
• UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply – Replacement At The Naylor and Hahira Public Safety Radio System Tower Sites
• Expanding Board of Tax Assessors
• Loan to Valdosta Housing Authority

The regular session was the commissioner’s final meeting for the year of 2023.