Commissioners ratify contractor decision, approve $130,153 budget amendment for Macon Middle School track

The Macon County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 17 ratified a prior consensus to allow contractors to move forward with cement stabilization work on the Macon Middle School track and approved a $130,153 budget amendment from the general fund balance to cover project costs.

County Manager Derek Roland reminded commissioners that the item had been discussed at the Sept. 10 meeting and that contractors needed direction to avoid a project standstill. Finance Director Lori Carpenter told the board that a budget amendment of $130,153 would be required because the project lacked a contingency.

"The contractor is trying to finish the project before the end of October," Project Coordinator Jack Morgan said, noting the schedule pressure. Commissioner Gary Shields moved to ratify the consensus and approve the budget amendment; Commissioner Danny Antoine seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve the ratification and the $130,153 amendment.

The ratification formalized an earlier decision to proceed with an option proposed by a contractor identified after the Sept. 10 meeting. Commissioner Josh Young said he expects to see multiple bids and transparency on subcontracted portions of the work as the remediation and stabilization work proceeds.

The board did not provide additional contingency funding at the meeting; Finance Director Lori Carpenter recorded the amendment as coming from the general fund balance. The next steps identified were contractor scheduling to meet the October timeline and follow-up oversight by county staff.

No formal dissent was recorded during the motion and vote. The board’s action addresses an immediate scheduling need for the school-track project while committing county funds to cover the shortfall.