Library expansion under way

Moak said the construction project is expected to take 270 days, with another 90 days needed to prepare the inside of the building. So, the new portions of the library are expected to be open approximately one year from now.

Madison County received a $1.5 million grant from the state government for the project last year. County voters also tagged over $560,000 in sales tax funding for the library expansion when the county government’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) was approved in 2008.

In other matters Monday, the board agreed to allow the school system to place an antenna on the 911 tower in Danielsville. This will improve the school system’s bus communications.

The board agreed to consider Todd Higdon as a replacement for Nick Paski on the county zoning board at its next meeting.
The group heard from a Georgia Forestry Commission official, who said he has worked with local fire and emergency management personnel on developing a required “hazard mitigation plan” for Madison County. The board also spoke at length with another forestry representative about burn permits and burn bans. This year’s burn ban will take effect May 1 in Madison County.

The board approved a part-time employee van driver for the senior center.

The group heard from a Colbert resident who said his neighbors are constantly driving motorbikes near his house. He asked the board to do something to help him and inquired whether there are any laws to stop the constant nuisance. “They have rights. I have no rights?” he asked. County commissioners said there is really nothing in the county ordinances that prohibits such noise during daytime hours.

The BOC met in closed session to discuss real estate and litigation but took no vote.

The commissioners’ next meeting will be May 9 at 6:30 p.m.