Macon‑Bibb approves SPLOST‑funded siren upgrade, removes maintenance from capital purchase

Macon‑Bibb County commissioners approved a floor substitution and authorized a SPLOST‑funded purchase to upgrade the county outdoor warning siren network at the Dec. 2 precommission meeting.

County procurement staff presented a proposed amendment that removed a maintenance agreement from the original siren proposal because SPLOST proceeds may not be used to pay for maintenance. The substitution reduced the quoted contract price and limited the current action to purchase and installation costs; staff said they will return separately with a maintenance agreement. "Maintenance agreements can't be paid out of SPLOST," staff explained during the presentation.

Emergency Management Director Spencer Hawkins described the system upgrade and coverage goals: "We have 56 sirens currently. We're moving up to 83 sirens," he said, and added that the installation will be a lengthy process and that exact locations will be coordinated with facilities and the county's planning staff. Commissioners asked whether the additional units would be placed in rural or urban areas and whether residents could provide input on siting; staff advised constituents to contact their district commissioner to relay placement concerns.

During discussion a constituent's reported estimate that the project cost was $12 million prompted clarification: commissioners and staff corrected the record and confirmed the contract under consideration is about $2.7 million. The commission voted to approve the floor substitution and then voted to send the contract to the consent agenda; both votes were unanimous.

Procurement staff and the emergency management office will return with more detailed siting plans and a maintenance agreement for separate consideration.