Six new-to-the-area chimpanzees are headed to Project Chimps in Morganton.
Deanna Stratton with Project Chimps approached the Fannin County Board of Commissioners during their Tuesday, June 24, meeting to request approval for the chimps to be moved into the sanctuary.
This will bring the total number of chimps to 101, and this was the first request for more chimp residents in three years, Stratton said.
The county plans to pave approximately nine miles down Highway 2 from Highway 5, Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff said. Over $700,000 of Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant money has been awarded to the county and will be used for the project. The total cost for the project is $1,745,000.
The remainder will be paid out of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) dollars.
The board approved the School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement between the sheriff’s office and Fannin County School System. The agreement provides for seven SROs with the school system paying four of their salaries.
Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson asked Sheriff Dane Kirby to elaborate on the service.
Answering one of Patterson’s questions, Kirby said the department no longer directs traffic for West Fannin Elementary on Highway 5 because “we were causing more trouble by shutting traffic down.”
Additionally, Kirby was on the agenda to request pumps for the detention center’s boiler system. His request was granted, using SPLOST funds at a cost of $6,858.
A skid steer with additional equipment was agreed on for purchase for the Public Works Department in the amount of $62,000. This money will come from SPLOST.
Purchasing turnout gear for the fire department was approved. The purchase will include 24 sets totaling over $88,000.
“It’s pretty expensive, but it’s necessary,” Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Patrick Cook said.
Humane Resources Director Jessie Hall proposed a new payroll system. Commissioners approved an agreement with ADP for $43,495.60 annually. This is a reduction from the previous company, which charged over $60,000.
A variance request from D&H Land Development to build a new home 30 feet from the center of Green Ridge Road was approved. Hensley abstained from the vote due to “personal reasons.”
Also, Ron Bolin was appointed to the Library Board, and Joe Jabaley was appointed to the Tax Assessors Board to fulfill the remaining term of Janie Bearden.