County to take over Silver Comet Trail maintenance

Silver Comet Trail at the Alabama State Line

The Polk County Board of Commissioners will be taking over upkeep of their portions of the Silver Comet Trial, following unanimous approval from the board during their Tuesday meeting.

According to County Manager Matt Denton, the actual structural work, such as paving and striping, will continue to be handled by the PATH foundation. The resolution will purchase equipment to maintain the vegetation around the trail in the unincorporated areas.

The motion implemented a plan to hire seasonal part-time employees using current Public Works salary budget money at no more than $20,000.

The measure also called for specialized mowing equipment that will be purchased using SPLOST funds.

Commissioners also voted to allow the county manager discretion in terminating an agreement with CDM Smith, a consulting firm used for the Polk County Airport.

Denton said the county has had issues with communication with the company since they had a merger in the last couple of years.

A representative of the consulting firm told Denton on the phone Tuesday that Polk County had “fallen through the cracks.”

Denton said he would meet with the representative before making a final decision on whether or not to terminate the agreement.