Dade County Commission Addresses Public Safety, Capital Projects, and Community Priorities at January Meeting
The Dade County Board of Commissioners conducted a workshop followed by its regularly scheduled January meeting, focusing on public safety investments, capital improvement projects, financial matters, and community initiatives.
Workshop Highlights
During the workshop portion of the meeting, commissioners approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting and reviewed the county’s personnel status report.
The commission addressed several board appointments and proclamations, including approval of a proclamation recognizing January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Dade County. Commissioners also approved the reappointment of Dorayne Stephens to the Dade County Alcohol Beverage Control Board for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2026.
Chairman Don Townsend reviewed an ordinance adopted in December establishing the Trenton-Dade Animal Center Advisory Board, outlining its advisory role in future animal welfare initiatives.
A significant portion of the workshop centered on SPLOST-funded capital equipment requests aimed at strengthening county public safety operations. Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford presented proposals for the purchase of two new patrol vehicles. Following a competitive bidding process involving five submissions, commissioners approved the selection of Prater Ford, which offered a five-year, 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty at a cost of $48,994 per vehicle.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a replacement jail transport van following a request from Capt. Chad Payne. The selected vehicle, a 2020 Ford Transit 350 with approximately 7,000 miles, will replace a nearly 20-year-old vehicle with more than 200,000 miles. The purchase, which includes a six-year, 100,000-mile extended warranty, totals $55,937.
Emergency Services Director Alex Case presented proposals for a new EMS response vehicle designed to safely transport emergency personnel and equipment. Commissioners approved Prater Ford’s bid, which included a platinum warranty and full emergency outfitting, at a cost of $55,915.72.
Chairman Townsend and Mayor Case also provided updates on the Election Building project, noting coordination with local subcontractors and minor plan revisions. Dirt work for the project is being completed in-house to reduce costs. An update was also provided on the future animal control facility, with survey work completed and preliminary building plans expected soon.
Additional workshop discussions included the Indigent Care Ordinance, historic preservation efforts, qualifying fees for the upcoming election cycle, a tax anticipation note, a memorandum of understanding with the Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa, and Chattooga counties, and solar power generation initiatives. The workshop recessed briefly before the evening meeting.
Regular Meeting Proceedings
Chairman Townsend called the regularly scheduled meeting to order. Commissioners Don Townsend, Bill Pullen, and Bob Woods were present. Commissioners Phillip Hartline and Melissa Bradford were absent due to illness, and a quorum was declared.
Citizen Participation
During citizen participation, Audrey Clark thanked organizers, volunteers, and sponsors of the Christmas Parade and invited the public to attend the Bank of Dade’s 70th anniversary celebration on January 12.
Representatives of the Optimist Club, including Jane Dixon, Sandy White, Leisa Cagle, and Rita Lawson, promoted a pickleball clinic scheduled for March 21 and discussed interest in expanded pickleball facilities. Several speakers referenced SPLOST funding as a potential source for future recreation improvements.
Stephen Bontekoe provided an update on a USDA-supported regenerative agriculture program, noting an application deadline of January 15.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Bill Pullen shared updates on projects in the northern portion of the county, including the near completion of the Squirrel Town Creek bridge project, a new Dollar General store planned for the Slygo area, and installation of an 8-inch water line along Highway 299.
Public safety statistics were also reviewed, with Pullen reporting that EMS, fire agencies, Georgia Forestry, and law enforcement responded to 30,955 calls in 2025, averaging approximately 85 calls per day, reflecting continued growth and service demands.
Chairman Townsend reviewed activity at the historic courthouse and train depot, highlighted countywide efforts to address food insecurity through blessing boxes, and recapped the success of the Christmas Parade. He also discussed SPLOST as a funding mechanism for future capital projects and outlined plans to seek voter approval for a future SPLOST referendum.
Townsend recognized Human Resources Manager Patty Murphy for earning her Level I human resources certification and promoted an upcoming NPDES Level 1A dirt certification class scheduled for January 22.
Chairman Townsend also reviewed key dates for the special election to fill the vacant 14th Congressional District seat, noting the election will be held on March 10, 2026, with advance voting beginning February 16.
Commissioner Bob Woods provided updates related to operations at the Trenton-Dade Animal Center and the Senior Center.
Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Jones presented the county’s financial report, indicating revenues were slightly above projections while expenditures remained under budget.
Watch the full meeting below.