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ALBANY, GA. -- During Wednesday night’s Albany Board of Commissioners meeting officials made a vote to allow the Albany Panthers to rent out the Civic Center for 2012 football games, but this vote didn't come without opposition.

Ward I Commissioner Jon Howard opted not to vote in favor of the rental because he felt the commission needed more time to look over agreement terms.

Although Howard decided not to vote, the board did approve the measure.

Also in the meeting, the board made an approval allowing the Albany Fire Department to use SPLOST VI funds to purchase new breathing devices for firefighters.

The devices used by the fire department now are currently 15-years-old.

“In 15 years, technology has improved. A lot the standards have changed for this kind of equipment and the ones we have in existence now do not meet current standards,” said Albany Fire Department Chief James L. Carswell.

Without the devices firefighters would not be able to enter burning structures.