Meeting Coverage
Oconee County Commissioners Approve Sewer Upgrade, Roundabout, Park Improvements
By Olivia Roth
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OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — The Oconee County Board of Commissioners approved multiple infrastructure projects during its Tuesday meeting, including a sewer line upgrade on Epps Parkway, a roundabout design at Highway 53 and Malcolm Bridge Road and improvements at Oconee Veterans Park.
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speaker addresses the Oconee County Board of Commissioners during its Nov. 25, 2025, meeting at the Oconee County Administrative Building in the Commission Meeting Chambers. During the meeting, commissioners approved multiple infrastructure projects, including a sewer line upgrade on Epps Parkway. (Photo/Olivia Roth)
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The board voted to approve the Epps Parkway sewer collector upgrade project which will replace an existing eight-inch gravity sewer line with a 12-inch line. The upgrade will increase capacity by about 500,000 gallons per day and accommodate future development in the area. The vote allows the project to move forward with funding and necessary budget adjustments.
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Adam Playfield, water resources director, said the upgrade “will accommodate future development in the area.”
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The commissioners also approved funding for the rehabilitation design of the historic Central Schoolhouse at Heritage Park. The project will modernize the building for public use while preserving its historic features. The design contract totals $88,015, and the work is expected to begin after board approval of the budget amendments.
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The board addressed other infrastructure projects, including replacing the gym floor at Oconee Veterans Park for $232,000 and adding $49,950 to the OVP pump station replacement project due to increased material costs. Commissioners also approved a final contract modification for the Snows Mill Road and Lane Creek Road roundabout project, increasing the total contract to $513,056.09.
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Public comment focused on a dangerous intersection at Highway 53 and Malcolm Bridge Road. Jane Amos and Lynn Merrill, residents of Presbyterian Village, described a recent accident at the site. Merrill said her vehicle was T-boned, rolled and landed on its roof.
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“It was frightening,” she said. “My greatest fear was that the car would catch on fire. My husband’s greatest fear was that the weight of the car would crush us. But neither happened, and we were fine.”
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Commissioners acknowledged the concern and said safety improvements are underway. The county has secured right-of-way for a roundabout, and the design is nearly complete. Construction is expected to begin next year.
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The county also received recognition from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a third PlanFirst designation, honoring successful comprehensive plan implementation and community engagement.
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“This PlanFirst designation will last for three years, and it recognizes the hard work and successful comprehensive plan implementation and acknowledges your community's commitment to identifying opportunities and setting goals to move Oconee County forward,” said Tracey Truman, planning outreach coordinator for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
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For more details, see the Nov. 25 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda and the PlanFirst program overview.
Why I Wrote the Story
I wrote this story because the Oconee County Commission’s decision-making process directly affects local residents, and documenting what happens inside and outside the meeting room helps keep the community informed and accountable. Covering this meeting helped me strengthen my reporting skills, especially observing government procedures, verifying details, and interviewing sources in a fast-moving environment.