Commissioners authorize school board to negotiate Macon Middle School track contract after 3‑2 vote

The Macon County Board of Commissioners narrowly voted 3–2 on Jan. 9 to authorize the Macon County Board of Education to enter contract negotiations with LS3P for design work on the Macon Middle School track.

The motion, made by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Antoine, followed a letter read to the board by Macon County School Board member Deidre Breeden asking commissioners to approve LS3P as the architect for the project. County Manager Derek Roland said staff would consult the School of Government on alternatives if the RFQ process were ultimately rejected.

Commissioner Higdon opposed the motion and said he favored moving directly to a design‑and‑build procurement, contending the board had not adhered to certain RFQ elements; he said he would vote “no.” The final tally was Gary Shields, Commissioner Young and Commissioner Antoine in favor; Commissioners Higdon and Shearl opposed.

The discussion centered on technical elements the board asked to be comparable across proposals — drainage, grading, surface and base — and on next steps for contracting. No funding vote was taken at the Jan. 9 meeting; the motion authorized negotiations only. County Manager Roland told the board he would consult the School of Government on how to proceed if contract talks stalled.

What happens next: the Board of Education may proceed with contract negotiations with LS3P. If negotiations fail or the RFQ is formally rejected, Mr. Roland said he would seek guidance from the School of Government on procurement options.