BLUE RIDGE, GA – Public Works Director, Zach Ratcliff proposed a solution to a recommendation found in the Fannin County 2016 Audit Report.

At the Board of Commissioners meeting held August 22, 2017, Ratcliff proposed the county enter into a contract with Wright Enterprises, which would provide county employees with a WEX card.

These cards would track information such as vehicle mileage and money spent on fuel. This information would be broken down into individual departments. Ratcliff stated that “under the contract we are not charged anything.”

County Chairman Stan Helton liked the idea and took the time to explain to the public that in the recommendations of the 2016 Audit, “This was the first item on our audit, that we have lack of fiscal control on our fuel inventory, and this would immediately correct our deficiencies in that area.”

Commissioners also unanimously approved a second mower to be purchased. After approval and discussion of purchasing the first mower last month, Commissioner Earl Johnson wanted Ratcliff to look into pricing for a second mower since the counties’ two mowers are equal in usage and need of repair.

Ratcliff was able to secure a second mower for the same price as quoted on the first, $118,225.

Bids were received at this regular meeting for the resurfacing of Loving Road and Salem Road, and were tabled until commissioners had time to review each bid. At a special called meeting held on August 28, 2017, commissioners met and unanimously approved the lowest bid, at $796,825.

Of this amount, the state will be funding approximately 30% of the bid price with the remaining balance coming out of SPLOST.

The special called meeting allowed the county to expedite the beginning of this project by two weeks.