Commissioners push for accountability, possible divestment of underused parks; May Park funding sought
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Summary
Several commissioners called for trimming underused parks and dedicating funds to renovate key facilities such as May Park, while asking for clearer project line items to ensure accountability in any SPLOST package.
Commissioners urged staff to identify underutilized parks for possible divestment and to dedicate funding for higher‑priority park renovations. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle argued for redirecting money away from underutilized facilities and toward park projects that residents can "see and touch," listing Warren Road and Diamond Lakes among priorities.
Commissioner George Johnson asked staff to identify parks the county might divest and suggested a five‑year funding shelf life for SPLOST line items so unbuilt projects would return funds to taxpayers. Commissioner Teneas Linde and Commissioner Stacy Pulliam both pressed for clarity about May Park: staff confirmed a design contract was awarded and that the project currently has grant funding covering design, with the grant expiring in October of the following year. Commissioners requested that staff show explicit line items (for example: $5,000,000 for the Edward M. McIntyre Riverwalk) so voters can track expenditures.
Administrator Allen said departments grouped some park allocations as countywide to allow flexibility, but commissioners asked that staff identify which parks have been recommended for divestment. Director Williams said crews are completing assessments and that cameras and other equipment are being deployed at parks. No final decisions were made; commissioners directed staff to return with a detailed list of underused parks, project line items and updated grant‑matching details.
