WARNER ROBINS -- Warner Robins City Council questioned the funding for the creation of a new part-time secretary position Thursday and received unclear answers.
The addition of a secretary -- to be used in the Community Development department and Redevelopment Agency offices -- was one of few items discussed in a brief precouncil meeting. Council members also were given an update on a major wastewater treatment plant expansion and a brief tutorial of their fresh-out-of-the-box iPads, which will be used to read agendas and supporting documents.
The proposed part-time position took the most time to discuss.
Councilwoman Carolyn Robbins asked whether the money for the position already has been budgeted and which account it would come from. No clear answers were given.
Mayor Chuck Shaheen said he understood the money would come from the RDA budget. Gary Lee, executive director of the RDA, said he understood the money would come from the Community Development budget. Robert Sisa, the director of Community Development, said he understood the money would come from both.
No one answered whether the position is already in any budget.
“We can get that all figured out tomorrow,” Shaheen finally said.
He added it will be on Monday’s agenda, if council concurs via e-mail. Shaheen did not answer questions after the meeting.
In a presentation about the wastewater treatment plant expansion, City Utilities engineer Marianne Golmitz said initial designs are 30 percent complete. A preliminary decision has been made to hire The Haskell Company as the project’s construction manager, she said.
The Jacksonville, Fla.-based firm would oversee much of the project, suggesting cost-savings along the way, Goltmitz said.
“I’ve never heard such glowing recommendations,” Golmitz told council, adding the firm was the best of four companies interviewed for the project.
The major upgrades are estimated to cost about $28.5 million and would increase capacity at the plant. They would also prepare for stricter state regulations, Golmitz said.
To contact writer Christina M. Wright, call 256-9685.
