The Habersham County Commission engaged in a significant work session on Monday prior to its regular meeting. This session focused on crucial matters such as the request for proposals (RFP) for the privatization of the gymnastics program and the financing options for the animal shelter. Both these items were tabled for further consideration during the commission's regular meeting.
Unraveling Habersham County's Commission Decisions
Gymnastics Privatization
During the work session, Finance Manager Tim Sims addressed the commission regarding the RFP process for privatizing the Rec. Department's gymnastics program. It was revealed that only one company, North Georgia Reigns Gymnastics from Cleveland, GA, submitted a packet for consideration. Usually, when there is only one submittal for an RFP, it is rejected and re-advertised. But due to the specialized nature of the service, staff accepted the proposal and presented it to the commission.The amount proposed for transferring the gymnastics program was $25,000, and the company would acquire the gymnastics equipment and take over the lease of the existing facility. It's important to note that this proposal only pertains to the gymnastics program, and the sideline cheer program will revert back to the Rec. Department.Neva Daniels, the owner of North Georgia Reigns Gymnastics, was present to discuss her plans for continuing the program and the necessity of the current facility. She and her daughter started the gymnastics program in Cleveland seven years ago after a thorough search for a suitable facility. Now, her current facility is at full capacity. "What started as a dream has become an amazing gymnastics center, and I hope to replicate that here in Habersham," she expressed. She emphasized that she doesn't intend to move the program to Cleveland and aims to keep the staff and maintain the same prices. "We want to make gymnastics accessible and convenient for everyone in Habersham County," she added.Shelter Financing
The commission also delved into the financing options for the construction of the SPLOST-approved animal shelter project. The project cost has been a point of contention in the community, with many supporters advocating for its immediate construction rather than a delay.Over the past four years, the estimated construction costs for the project, which was originally budgeted at $1.75 million, have significantly increased. Commissioners have acknowledged that the original budget was insufficient. Now, the commission is considering funding the estimated $7,856,000 project through borrowing.Two financing options were presented. One is a lease/purchase option where the county borrows the money, similar to how it financed the Administration Building. The county would repay the loan through a certificate of participation (COPS), but this option comes with a higher interest rate. According to Sims, the COPS proposal has a conservative interest rate of 5.15%, and the ten-year amortization schedule results in an average annual payment of $893,652.The other option is to reactivate an industrial development authority. This authority would provide the county with the flexibility to fund other projects by issuing bonds. The interest rate for the bonds is lower than that of COPS. Sims estimated a conservative interest rate of 5% for the bonds. However, he informed the commission that some other counties have recently obtained an interest rate closer to 4% under this option. The ten-year amortization schedule for this option shows an average annual payment of $887,050, which is a savings of over $66,000 over the ten-year term compared to the COPS option.Both financing options do not require a voter referendum and can be approved by the county commission.Both the gymnastics privatization and shelter financing items were on the commission's regular meeting agenda for further consideration and were tabled until the December meeting.