WR works on SPLOST projects

The Warner Robins City Council met in a special work session Tuesday. During that time, the group agreed that top priority projects are a new recreation complex and a renovated City Hall.

The council also agreed to build projects in phases because current funds won’t cover it all.

The money for these projects will come from the 2012 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

A budget of $5 million was set for the recreation

complex with original plans that included five softball fields, five baseball fields, archery range, and batting cages.

The council was worried that this plan would go way over budget. “We’ve gone from $5 million to $20 million just like that,” said Councilman Tim Thomas. Mayor Randy Toms suggested that they seek better-detailed plans for a site that would allow them to build in phases and then determine where to lower construction costs.

International City Builders, hired by the city, presented two scenarios for the Civic Center. First one would be to tear it down for $350,000. Second would be to renovate and convert it into 30,000 square feet of office space for around $3.2 million. Councilman Chuck Shaheen said, “We could buy the bank down the street for $550,000 and renovate it for $100,000.” It was decided then the Council adjourn the public and discuss amongst themselves.

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