Macon residents offer ideas for upcoming SPLOST projects

A community meeting about the next round of sales tax projects in Macon-Bibb County generated suggestions for a multi-million dollar upgrade to the county health department, new recreation opportunities and money for airport improvements.

More than 50 people attended a meeting at the Macon Mall for the first of a series of meetings to gather public input for projects that would be paid for with a special purpose local option sales tax that likely will go before voters in November. The event began with an explanation of the penny-on-the-dollar SPLOST that has been used to pay for various projects such as recreation center improvements, and construction of a new juvenile justice center and animal shelter.

Macon-Bibb commissioners have put together a “must do” list that includes broad categories that some money should be dedicated to. They include money for blight, debt, economic development, roads, landfill closure and courthouse improvements. The list also includes projects related to roads, stormwater management and recreation centers.

The Macon-Bibb County Health Department building needs to be improved or potentially relocated. The estimated cost for renovations is about $5.8 million, said Nancy White, health department administrator. The health department is located in a former department store at 171 Emery Highway.

“Twenty-three years have lapsed with no updating, and we find ourselves in an inefficient building,” White said. “There is more hallway space than office space. We spend as much time navigating our halls and helping lost clients than we do our work.”

One resident said Monday that the scope of some buildings paid for with SPLOST money could be toned down, saying some of the new fire stations look like “fortresses.” Another person said it’s important the money is spent on projects that can be sustained. The purchase of a van for Macon-Bibb County 4-H students also was mentioned.

Members of the neighborhood organization called South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology also spoke about the need for a community playground. Among the other suggestions Monday was lengthening the Middle Georgia Regional Airport runway and extending Sardis Church Road in south Bibb County.

“There are businesses that would come to town and businesses that would expand if the runway was long enough to land the type of planes (needed),” Macon resident Starr Perdue said.

Commissioners have said they would like to see up to $240 million of SPLOST money spent on the next group of projects. Collections on the current $190 million SPLOST began in April 2012.

“Hopefully we can have an ongoing SPLOST, because that’s one of the best ways to improve your community,” Commissioner Bert Bivins said.

Commissioner Gary Bechtel said the SPLOST is critical because it keeps the county from having to dip into the general fund, which includes property tax money. Some of the SPLOST money has been spent on projects that residents might not notice but are important nonetheless.

“One of the things we spent money in this SPLOST was over $8 million on an 800-megahertz radio system. That was an important project that ties (together) our public safety,” Bechtel said.

There are three remaining SPLOST forums, all of which begin at 6 p.m. Suggestions for projects can be emailed to splost2016@maconbibb.us.

May 19

National Guard Armory, 1030 Shurling Drive.

May 26

Porter Ellis Community Center, 5987 Houston Road.

June 2

John Drew Tennis Center, 3280 N. Ingle Place.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Macon residents offer ideas for upcoming SPLOST projects."