Albany Assistant City Manager Wes Smith addressed the Dougherty County School Board today. 

He asked for assistance in funding federal lobbyists who solicit stimulus money.  Smith is asking the board members for a one-time lump sum payment of $10,000.  Right now, Albany is paying $8,400 each month for lobbyists.  School Board Chairman David Maschke favors the plan.  “And with the amount of money that is at stake and the potential that could come to Dougherty County, the school board feels it's a good investment to partner with the city and the county to fund the lobbyists to be certain that we get our fair share,” said Maschke. 

Smith will make a similar plea to the Dougherty County Commission.