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Macon County approves library repairs, park design funds and $50,000 for Highlands playground; makes several appointments
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Summary
The board approved $52,281 for additional library repairs, up to $19,910 for park design, a $2,000-per-month lease with Otto Fire & Rescue, a $50,000 contribution to Highlands playground and authorized a $300,000 grant application; it also completed planning board and airport authority appointments.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners approved multiple contract, funding and appointment actions during its July 8, 2025 meeting.
Library repairs and park design: Planning Director Joe Allen reviewed estimates for additional interior and exterior repairs at the Macon County Public Library; the board voted unanimously to transfer $52,281 from fund balance and amend the Windriver Construction contract to complete the work. The board also approved engineering and design work for Phases 1A and 1B of the Recreation Park Master Plan not to exceed $19,910 from fund balance.
Leases and grants: Commissioners approved a lease with the Otto Community Development Organization/Otto Volunteer Fire & Rescue for $2,000 per month, as budgeted. County staff were also authorized to submit an invitation-only Dogwood Health Trust "Saving Lives from Substance Abuse" grant application for $300,000 to support strategic planning and training related to county opioid funds; the board unanimously approved pursuing the grant.
Highlands playground: Brian Stiehler reported fundraising of $1,347,711 (including $350,000 from Macon County, $250,000 from the Town of Highlands and $747,711 in donations) and said the project remained about $150,000 short of its target. Commissioner Jason Shearl moved and the board unanimously committed an additional $50,000 from fund balance to the playground project; Mr. Stiehler said construction would begin once funds were received and they hope to open next spring.
Appointments and committees: The board filled two seats on the Town of Franklin Planning Board, appointing Richard Brady and Debbie Tallent by paper ballot. The board retained a seven-member Community Funding Pool committee to distribute a $75,000 rollover fund and, by a 3–2 vote, appointed Commissioners Frank Breeden and Antoine to a subcommittee to vet nonprofit applications. Airport Authority seats were filled by reappointing Janet Shuler and appointing Harold 'Pete' Haithcock; those appointments were unanimous.
Consent agenda: The board also approved a multi-item consent agenda, including minutes of June 10, 2025; several budget and grant project ordinances; the FY2025-26 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council certification and county plan; a revised travel policy; and monthly tax items.