The Sports Hall of Fame will stay in Macon for at least the next three years under a lease agreement expected to be filed Tuesday in Bibb County.

Ben Sapp, who has been the museum’s interim director for almost two years, said Gov. Nathan Deal has signed off on the agreement, which was received Monday by the Development Authority of Bibb County.

In discussions Tuesday morning, Bibb County commissioners reluctantly accepted a burden they said was the state’s responsibility, voting informally to put $125,000 into the sports hall this year.

Commissioner Lonzy Edwards called the sports hall a state obligation, with local legislators more worried about micromanaging local government than finding money to pay for the state’s responsibilities in Macon.

“I’m going to vote for this. Only reason I’m going to vote for this is it’s in downtown Macon. Downtown Macon is in part of my district. ... We’re supposed to do what’s in the best interests of the total community,” Edwards said.

Commission Chairman Sam Hart said the county commission had obligated itself in December 2010 when it pledged to support the Sports and Music museums with $250,000 in the first year, $150,000 in the second year and $100,000 the third year. The Music Hall of Fame later closed its doors.