MACON, Ga. — Millions of dollars were on the table Tuesday in the Macon-Bibb County Commission chambers.
Commissioners approved more than $15 million for various projects across the county and then tacked on another $730,000 to buy some property near Carolyn Crayton Park.
"A list of items from different departments that they wanted. A lot of those are vehicles," Mayor Lester Miller explained after the meeting.
Those vehicles are for Macon-Bibb Code Enforcement, the sheriff's office and the fire department. Miller says each year, county departments request what they need.
"Upgrades to some courtrooms some of the judges have asked for. There's some more efficient equipment for the tax commissioner's office, tax assessor's office," he said.
Miller says there's a big-ticket item on the list too. It's one that will help advance county leaders' goal of building a new private terminal at Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
"Tearing down the existing FBO there now, to make way for what we've all seen is going to be a world class FBO, fixed base operation. The guitar everybody refers to," Miller said.
A fixed base operator provides refueling and some maintenance to private pilots. For years, Lowe Aviation ran it. Now, Macon-Bibb County does.
At the very end of their meeting, commissioners agreed to buy two pieces of land on Walnut Street near the park. Miller says it will likely become parking.
"We have those large Cherry Blossom Festivals that bring in millions of dollars into our community. We want people to be able to walk and park nearby. So that allows us the access to clean up the area there. Perhaps one day, put a gate around there, pave it," he said.
Miller says it's still too early to discuss concrete plans for the area near the park, but he says it paves the way for the county to make additional improvements in the area.
Commissioners also approved more than $315,000 for repairs to the sea walls and docks at Lake Tobesofkee.
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