TCC, SCBC approve agreement for American Rescue Plan Act funding for TSC Airport

Both the Toccoa City Commission and the Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved motions to sign an agreement for the American Rescue Plan Act between the Georgia Department of Transportation, Toccoa-Stephens County Airport Authority, City of Toccoa and Stephens County Board of Commissioners.

During the Toccoa City Commission meeting on Monday, City Manager Billy Morse explained that the agreement must be approved by both the City and County Commissions.

“As a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, funds were allocated for general aviation airports. Our airport will be allocated $32,000 which they propose to use for utilities, vehicle maintenance, and employee salary expenses. As sponsors of the airport, the City and the County must approve the agreement,” he said.

Commissioner Terry Carter asked what the Airport intended to use the funding for.

“Mayor, I’m just curious what their true intent with the funds were going to be. I know that they’re being reimbursed for salaries and utilities; but that was spent last year. I’m just wondering if they have certain plans for the $32,000,” he asked.

Vice Mayor Jeanette Jamieson says the agreement list what they intend to spend the money on.

“Well, it says they propose to use it for utilities, vehicle maintenance, and salaries,” she said.

“Yeah, I mean, I’m all for them getting the funds, but those are all expenses they had last year, and it was already in their operating budget and because of COVID they weren’t short any funds, they were still fully funded. I’m not opposed to it at all. I think it’s a program that is there and they should get it, I’m just curious if they had some special plan for the extra money they’ll have now,” Carter said.

Commissioner Gail Fry asked who would be responsible for paying the $32,000.

Morse explained that the $32,000 was federally funded.

A motion was made by Jamieson approving the agreement with Carter seconding the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Then, on Tuesday, during the Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Commission approved its portion of the agreement.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dennis Bell with Commissioner Dean Scarborough seconding the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.