Deena C. Bouknight – Contributing Writer
Macon County Board of Commissioners at Tuesday evening’s meeting focused on the space needs analysis for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Macon County. County Manager Derek Roland led the Aug. 14th discussion by explaining current details and time frame.
To review, $30,000 was budgeted in fiscal year 2017-18 to complete the Macon County CIP. The plan represents a collaborative effort between Davenport and Company, Macon County Administration, Macon County Department heads, and other outside agencies. Roland explained in March that a space needs analysis is imperative before new buildings throughout the county can be considered due to space issues.
“The CIP identifies capital projects which are those projects costing over $150,000 and are projected to have a useful life of greater than five years,” said Roland. “Aside from identifying those projects the CIP also identifies funding sources.
“The space needs analysis will further prioritize those capital projects within the CIP and perhaps bring to light some new projects as well,” he added. “The study will identify and assess the current space occupied by various departments and agencies. In addition, projected space needs will be considered based on future growth projections specific to the agency/department. The results of the space needs analysis will be compared to the CIP recommendations and will serve as another prioritization mechanism to be used in forthcoming budget cycles.”
“The goal is to work together in planning for the future,” he said, and called the CIP a “living document,” meaning one that can be edited and updated to meet needs.
Lori Hall, finance director, said the plan is for the request for quotes (RFQ) to be issued on Aug. 27, and responses are to be delivered by Sept. 24. The selected firm will have a projected start date of Oct. 10, with a completion date set for Jan. 25, 2019.
“The areas highlighted in the space needs analysis will be all Macon County facilities, particularly those in which county business/public service is being conducted,” said Roland. “The architect firms consulted with as we put together this RFQ have performed these studies in government buildings.”
The commissioners also recognized centenarian Dorothy R. Crawford, who was present as a new state Division of Aging and Adult Services award was named in her honor. Department of Social Services Director Patrick Betancourt shared that Crawford has contributed and continues to contribute to the community, her church, statewide legislation, and as an advocate for aging adults. The ongoing award will recognize individuals who develop innovative strategies in the area of aging and adult services.
Crawford, who has spent the better part of her life offering assistance to the mentally ill, left the meeting to attend another community meeting. In April, Commissioner Ronnie Beale said of Crawford, “We aren’t here celebrating 100 years of service or all the accomplishments of this woman, which are far too many to name, but instead, we are here to celebrate the person that is Dorothy Crawford because there isn’t another like her in this world.”
