The Macon-Bibb County Commission funded new public safety measures, sidewalks, a transportation safety manager, construction of Cliffview Lake Park and accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants Tuesday at its last meeting of 2023.
Commissioners approved $1.2 million in public safety spending that includes $30,000 for each district commissioner to allocate as needed. The county also will purchase emergency key boxes for first responders’ rapid access into public schools, permanent flashing light systems for schools, additional security cameras as dictated by the sheriff and ATVs for patrol.
An additional $1.2 million coming from SPLOST proceeds will hire Warren Associates to build trails, a parking lot and a pavilion at Cliffview Lake Park off Houston Avenue.
Commissioner Elaine Lucas suggested naming the park for Macon’s former Mayor C. Jack Ellis who acquired the land during his administration. Mayor Lester Miller said he supports the tribute, which he suggested be taken up at a later date.
The Commission accepted about $165,000 in grants from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to be shared between the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Solicitor General for crime victim programs.
The runway extension at Middle Georgia Regional Airport is getting a boost from nearly $330,000 in grant funds from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The Commission also approved hiring contractors for assessing needs and renovation design work at the Bibb County Courthouse, assisting the Tax Assessor’s Office with pricing schedules, and repaving Mead Road.
The County also agreed to fund $730,000 in new sidewalks and paving, more than $87,000 to hire a long-awaited transportation safety manager, and $200,000 for emergency repairs to Fire Station No. 2.
Commissioners also agreed to provide free menstrual hygiene products at county facilities.
The Commission also granted alcohol licenses for the new Taco Mac on Bowman Road, the Raceway at 5127 Mercer University Drive, and Sunoco at 2260 Shurling Drive.
Here are highlights from the meeting captured in social media posts.
– Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.
