The proposed FY 2013 budget, totaling an anticipated $18.8 million, has been presented to the Polk County Board of Commissioners.

The budget will include $600,000 in state grants, which may not be received.

County departments requested spending $19.5 million. However, projections are that the proposed budget will provide the minimum for operating costs and services.

A public hearing has been scheduled at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 to hear comments. The hearing and a following work session will be held in the Commission Meeting Room, Georgia State Patrol Building.

The document was presented during the May meeting when Matt Denton, assistant manager, reported that current revenues are stable and on target at about 83 percent. Expenditures are under 5 percent.

At the meeting, board members voted not to abandon a portion of Sorrells Road, which previously brought comments – pro and con – from several delegates.

The portion of the road in question would have begun at a point of 4,335 feet from the center line of Bellview Road and extended to the intersection of Sorrells and Sheep Leg roads.

Charles Garrett said he did not want the road closed since it would mean his dad, who owns property on both sides of creek, would have to drive about 2 miles to get from one section of his land to another.

Rick Sorrells and Glenn Sorrells, also property owners in the community, requested that the road remain open.

Eric Brown, 420 Sorrells Rd., asked that it be closed due to safety concerns for his family and others in the area. He said there were people at the creek’s “wash hole” throughout the night.

Commissioners did approve the proposal to abandon a portion of Braswell Road, including the section from the City limits of Braswell to the Polk-Paulding line.

Prior to their decision, Allen Fennell had asked for an explanation as to why this section was being abandoned. He said that Braswell did not have the equipment or funds to maintain the route used by many people traveling from Polk to Paulding County.

Delegate Greg Gray sought help to purchase two riding lawnmowers for the Polk County Cemetery Preservation Committee.

He said the group had managed to raise money to purchase a van, trailer and other equipment.

Manager Clinton Lester said the County does not give funds to non-profit organizations.

In other business, the board:

Tabled appointment of a person to fill a position on the Polk County Water Authority Board.

Accepted a grant, totaling $339,813.86, from Georgia Department of Transportation for striping of about 63 miles of roadway.

In addition to striping, the grant also provides for raised pavement markers and railroad signage for several railroad crossings.

Agreed to keep CDM Smith, formerly Wilbur Smith Associates, as the County’s Airport Engineer. This action was taken due to FAA and GDOT requirements that the County go through the process of electing an airport engineer every 5 years.

Gave a green light to authorize the sale of two surplus police cars to the Polk School District Transportation Department.

Voted to accept the bid, totaling $6,851.40, from Stalker Radar. Funds will be taken from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax money to pay for 4 new radar units that will replace existing units purchased in 1999.

Approved a request from County Police Chief Kenny Dodd to replace laptops in patrol vehicles. These will be purchased with funds from the Chief’s Drug Asset Account.