The December freeze is costing Bibb County taxpayers up to $250,000 in repairs at the South Bibb Recreation Center.

During Tuesday’s Macon-Bibb County Commission meetings, money was approved to fix broken pipes and plumbing damaged at the county’s newest recreation facility when temperatures dropped to the teens around Christmas. The county also plans to contract with a qualified local plumber for future repairs when similar emergencies arise on county properties.

Commissioners also approved spending $50,000 to partner with the Georgia Department of Transportation on a freight study designed to show available resources and future needs for cargo transport in the future.

The county’s new $7.5 million revolving loan affordable housing program also received final approval Tuesday night on the consent agenda of all items passed in committee last week.

Commissioners also recognized local student winners of the MLK oratory competition and youth from the Elite Leadership Academy of the Next Level Community Development program that is part of the Macon Violence Prevention program.

During public comments, Rev. Lydia Mitcham Meredith again raised concerns about crime but lauded the county’s efforts along with Sheriff David Davis to add more law enforcement officers. Meredith urged the commission to investigate District Attorney Anita Howard concerning accused violent criminals being released on bond and the departure of several veteran prosecutors since Howard took office. Meredith’s comments led to commissioners Al Tillman and Elaine Lucas coming to the DA’s defense.

Here are highlights from Tuesday’s meetings that also included the mayor pro tem election and filling of the Committee on Committees.

– Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Jarvis Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government agencies and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.

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