Commissioners agreed last night to move forward with a proposed list of TSPLOST 2023 projects totalling $144.5 million, setting the final list up for a vote early next month. But Commissioners still expressed reservations about the lack of TSPLOST funding for repaving projects.
“If we are going to choose not to use this funding source that has been used in the past for pavement maintenance, then we need to go ahead and say what funding source we are using as an alternative," Commissioner Tim Denson said.
Denson told colleagues there’s an estimated $31 million budget for pavement repairs on the table, though it could cost less through a “triage” approach.
Additionally, five nonprofits which use ACC government space will have reduced rentfor another year, but lawmakers will require those organizations to implement Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training as part of the deal.
Commissioners also extended a pilot program that loosens alcohol restrictions on outdoor café areas and festivals. The commission tabled plans for a pump station on Atlanta Highway until February and will hold discussions until Jan. 11 on appropriating $2 million in American Rescue Plan funds to the county court system. Those funds would help create new positions to address the backlog of cases from the pandemic.
In a 6-4 vote, Commissioner Carol Myers will serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the next year. Commissioners Mariah Parker and Russell Edwards will chair the Government Operations Committee and Legislative Review Committee, respectively.
