Commissioners settled on a “top six” list of projects to be funded from the Special Local Option Sales Tax approved by voters in 2008. That tax referendum was projected to generate $36 million over six years, of which The City of Cedartown is supposed to receive 24.84 percent of revenues -- $8,942,400.
The project list approved by voters included a projected $2.9 million for business park development (related to pre-2008 debt); $1.4 million for streets, sidewalks and storm sewer improvements; $2,237,900 for water and sewer infrastructure improvements; $600,000 for water maintenance equipment; $600,000 for public safety equipment; $350,000 for improvements to parks and recreation structures and equipment; and $854,500 for public land, buildings and improvements.
Tuesday’s meeting was to set the list of projects to be pursued this year. Upcoming meetings will present updated bids and cost projections for commissioners to consider. The goal Tuesday was to come up with a priority list – those things that most need to be addressed.
Commissioners, after some discussion, focused on the following:
- Replacing the radio room and equipment at the Cedartown Fire Department. The equipment being replaced is between 15 and 20 years old and is no longer supported by the manufacturer. The current building does not have air conditioning and has had problems with insects, rats and moisture. A new building is to be constructed by Northwest Probation Detention Center prisoners. The building is to be 10-feet by 20-feet, constructed of concrete block and with a metal roof. The total cost of construction and new equipment is estimated at $22,475.
- Purchase of two new police dogs. The Cedartown Police Department’s only dog, K-9 Dan, died from an illness last week. The city had already been considering purchase of a second dog. The cost of two dogs is estimated at around $10,000.
- Purchase of a refrigerated automatic sampler for the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The projected cost of this equipment, which is needed to maintain compliance with Environmental Protection Division regulations, is $5,500.
- Renovation of the Turner Street Community Center. The building needs paint, roof repairs and new signs among other renovations. Much of the work will be performed by city employees.
- Other recreation facility improvements, at a cost of around $150,200, including the construction of new ball fields. Also planned is the replacement of lights on the city baseball fields and football field. Some existing fields are also to be graded and resodded.
- Expansion of the city’s Northside Cemetery. The city already owns adjoining property, but it needs to be developed.
Commissioner John Barrett made the proposal. He said the city is beginning to run out of space. The expansion area needs landscaping and clearing before it can be put to use for grave sites and funerals.
“You can’t wait until three months before we need it,” Barrett said. “We need to get this last section cleaned up and set up.”
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