County also scales back courthouse renovation

The downturn in the economy has Coweta County officials tightening their budgets as well.

County Administrator Theron Gay announced Tuesday night that the county has enacted a hiring freeze for all non-essential personnel. That means current job vacancies will remain open for some period of time.

The county is still evaluating its open public safety positions in this light, Gay said.

The county commission also voted Tuesday to scale back the courthouse expansion project with several changes that will net a $161,000 savings on the project.

Gay said the cost-cutting was suggested by staff in light of the current economy. He added that the county may end up going back and restoring some of these line items.

The two most expensive options being changed are on the roof. Asphalt shingles will be used instead of sheet metal roofing for a savings of $48,000. And the type of copper for the clock tower was changed from a specific corrugated copper to plain sheet copper, resulting in a $42,000 savings.

Work on the $7.5 million project is being funded with money from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

The architect on the project is Lord, Aeck & Sargent.