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Cochran approves $84,900 state park grant with $85,000 local match for Willie Basby Park
Summary
The Council accepted an $84,900 Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant requiring an $85,000 local match to fund a $169,500 project at Willie Basby Park; the measure passed 4-1 amid debate about proximity to other parks and alternative uses for the funds.
City Manager Richard Newbern presented a $84,900 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to finance improvements at Willie Basby Park. Newbern said the grant requires an $85,000 local match, bringing the total project cost to $169,500 to construct a walking trail, playground, outdoor grill and landscaping.
Council Member Shane Savant raised concerns about the park’s proximity to other parks and suggested the money could be better used for the new Ash Street park project. Council Member Gary Ates argued strongly for accepting the grant to benefit residents in District 1. After discussion, Council Member Ates moved, and Council Member Keith Anderson seconded, a motion to accept the grant and provide the $85,000 local match from recreation SPLOST funds. The motion passed 4-1, with Anderson, Ates, Lemmon and Tedders voting yes and Savant opposed.
Council did not amend details of the project during the meeting; the transcript records acceptance of the grant and identification of the funding source for the local match (recreation SPLOST). The council did not schedule additional public hearings or project design votes in this session.
