Commissioners begin discussing which projects will receive $65 million dollars with of splost money
City Commissioners began discussing which projects will receive splost money to improve Albany over the next few years.
City Commissioners have $190 million dollars in project requests using splost money, however not all requests will be met. Commissioners can only grant $65 million dollars worth of projects because that’s projected revenue over the next six years. The most expensive projects are focused on infrastructure improvements like the Broad Street Bridge, street resurfacing, and replacing the sewer system.
Commissioner Chris Pike says going over budget, it not an option. “If we went over the budget we’d have to raise property taxes in order to find those projects. So we use the splost money to do it, which is a more balanced approach to taxation so it just makes sense to put those kind of projects on the splost referendum” says Pike.
In addition to the city manager’s project requests, other organizations also asked for money. For example the Southwest Georgia Council on Aging requested $4 million dollars for a new senior center.
Officials say their priority is choosing projects that will enhance the quality of life in Albany. Commissioners hope to have the splost list finalized in July.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWFXL