In November, Bibb County voted on a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) which would contribute money towards improving many Macon departments. One of the more recent discussions of money distribution was centered on the local animal shelter.
Three million dollars is expected to go toward the building of a new animal shelter. The current shelter is located right next to the city dump.
On Feb. 9 Macon City Hall held a discussion session to allow residents to present ideas on the spending for the shelter. Over the course of the meeting, 50 ideas were brought forward.
The Telegraph’s reported on the proposed suggestions which included rooftop solar panels, equipment for taking pictures and videos of abused animals for court cases, adequate plumbing, getting more volunteers involved, etc.
Making the animal shelter a no-kill shelter seemed to be a top priority along. Many added that the shelter needed to be able to take in a high-volume of animals while minimizing costs to spay or neuter animals which can deter potential adopters due to added costs.
Neither a timeline or location for the new animal shelter was discussed, but in July, the city of Macon will hand over all duties and responsibility of the shelter to Bibb County.
SPLOST money will also be used for the Tubman African American Museum, the Macon Centreplex, public safety equipment, rebuilding Fort Hawkins and revitalizing Second Street, reported the Macon Telegraph.
The radio system used by Macon and Bibb County emergency workers will also be updated with the SPLOST money.
Money will also be given to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in an effort to keep it in Macon.
The Parks and Recreation department has asked for money to go toward air conditioner repairs at several city facilities, according to the Macon Telegraph. The air conditioner units were damaged by copper thieves.
The council approved spending $55,000 dollars in back pay to Public Works stated Director Richard Powell, who was fired by the mayor and then reinstated. The Telegraph reported that the money is for the “nearly nine-month span he was off.”
