Polk County is implementing a new communication system, which should give public safety personnel more stability and security with greater coverage.

However, investigation revealed the cities would need to purchase radios that are compatible with the new system.

Therefore, an option was proposed and approved by the Polk County Board of Commissioners.

They gave the green light to use Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds ($95,000) to purchase 180 public safety radios now in use.

Commissioners, during the June meeting, pointed out the cities would be expected to give all of their current radios as trade-ins ($18,000 estimated value). They reported that each entity – Aragon, Cedartown and Rockmart – would be responsible for the cost of programming and installing the new radios.

The group has also voted to send the Polk County Water Authority (PCWA) a 30-day notice of intent to move forward with advertisement for contractors.

This decision was in reference to planned culvert replacements. County officials noted PCWA was notified of the planned project in 2011.

Board members approved the low bid submitted by Spriggs Construction Company, totaling $22,992 (SPLOST), for culvert improvements associated with planned Lake Creek railroad crossing project.

Voted in favor of low bids for equipment used in process of patching potholes: Action Rent All, $2,750, (mechanical tamp) and WayFair, $1,884 (pavement saw).

Gave the green light to final purchase of new financial software, totaling $19,478.44 (SPLOST). All items will be purchased from the state contract list.

Approved soliciting bids from private contractors to resurface Knox Mountain Road (SPLOST).

Presented an update on current paving work completed this season, which includes Aragon-Taylorsville Road (County Line to railroad), Wood Smoke Road, portion of walking track in Aragon, College Drive in Cedartown and completing Wyatt Road.

Planned paving projects will include John Redding and Pot Ash roads, parking lot repairs in Cedartown, EMS parking lot and several streets in Rockmart.

Scheduled are Lee’s Chapel, Booger Hollow (Cave Spring to Denton roads), and Old Rome Road.

Commissioners also approved several resolutions, a Georgia Trend community ad, time clock policy and Jamie Morris as a member of the Development Authority of Polk County.