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Troup County plans to apply for grant funds to help pay for a replacement swimming pool at the William J. Griggs Recreation Center and a potential pickleball complex near the Active Life Senior Center.

Both grants are being requested through the State of Georgia as derivatives of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the governor’s office has received. The county will ask for $2 million in each grant request.

The county previously sought funds to help pay for the pool replacement during the governor’s second round of ARPA disbursements, but those funds were denied.

The Callaway Foundation has agreed to provide a letter of support for the grant for the Griggs Center pool replacement.

“We are certainly hoping to provide ample match toward that grant from local support,” County Manager Eric Mosley said. “We do have a little bit of SPLOST money left over that we could potentially shift there if need be, but we’re hopeful that the grant would provide the pool as a whole.”

Torrance Construction is currently working to complete Phase I of Griggs Center renovations. Plans for the first phase include expanding off-street parking, adding a full-size gymnasium, renovating the existing smaller gymnasium and converting the former practice gym into study areas and a computer lab for community use.

The first phase is anticipated to be completed by April 2023.

Commissioner Jimmy McCamey said he wanted to reassure citizens that the county is committed to replacing the Griggs Center pool.

“All the commissioners we all agree that the pool is a priority and that we’re looking at all avenues,” McCamey said, noting the county manager is seeking the funds to pay for the project.

“He’s looking for grants. He’s talking with the Callaway Foundation. He’s talking to the City of LaGrange, and we’re going to work until we get the funds to make it happen,” McCamey said, adding they have options with sponsors as well.

McCamey said he would continue to advocate for the replacement pool event if state funding falls through and the voters do not approve the next SPLOST.

“My colleagues understand the significance, and the importance of putting the pool back into Griggs Center, so I believe if we have to go into some county funds, I think we’ll do that, but we’re doing it in a smart way,” McCamey said. “We’ll do it at the right time, but I certainly feel confident that we will have support across the commission.”

Mosley also sought permission to apply for a similar grant to build a pickleball complex. The proposed complex would have eight pickleball courts near the senior center.

Mosley noted that pickleball has exploded in popularity recently during the pandemic, particularly among seniors. He said they are hoping to build the proposed complex on property off of Ragland St.

The commissions unanimously approved applying for both grants.

In other business:

• The commissioners approved a change order and intergovernmental agreement with the City of LaGrange to replace and extend a water main along Roanoke Rd. and Pyne Road Park.
• The commissioners approved text amendments to clarify terms in preparation for a planned short-term vacation rental ordinance.
• The commissioners denied a home occupation business license after the applicant was found to have not brought his home into compliance since the issue was tabled at the previous Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 4.