Macon-Bibb Commission funds $15.5M in projects. Where is the money going?
This story has been updated
The Macon-Bibb County Commission adjusted the fiscal year 2024 budget Tuesday to allocate almost $15.5 million, including nearly $1.2 million in unbudgeted revenue it underestimated from the annual insurance premium tax that fluctuates annually.
The bulk of the money — $9 million — prepays FY25 debt service, according to Commission documents. Here are some of the bigger ticket items on the list attached to the ordinance:
- $1.3 million for IT LIDAR and imagery
- $636,000 through the code enforcement department for SAFEbuilt building services
- $465,000 for facilities management for the government-wide telephone system
- $450,000 for capital improvement projects and equipment at Lake Tobesofkee
- $400,000 for emergency sinkhole repair
- $346,000 for furniture and software for the Board of Elections
- $329,700 for code enforcement vehicles
- $295,000 for fire department equipment
- $273,739 for probate court
- $250,000 in improvements at Macon Mall
- $250,000 for airport demolition and capital improvement projects
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s 30-minute executive session in the pre-commission meeting, commissioners approved spending $730,000 for 1.34 acres of land at the site of the old batting cages in the 100 block of Walnut Street.
County spokesman Chris Floore said the county plans to clear those lots at the corner of Seventh Street to provide additional parking for Carolyn Crayton Park now that the Macon Housing Authority built an affordable housing complex on the opposite corner that had been used for Cherry Blossom Festival parking in the past.
County commissioners also welcomed results of a recent Sound Diplomacy music study commissioned through the Macon Arts Alliance.
Julie Wilkerson, the alliance’s executive director, noted Macon-Bibb County’s potential to strengthen the economic impact of music and arts in the community.
This story was originally published February 23, 2024 at 12:13 PM.