Efforts to finance the new Judicial Center in Athens-Clarke County took center stage during the recent Mayor and Commission agenda-setting meeting. The discussion focused on potential funding avenues to cover the projected $200 million cost.
While $75 million is already earmarked from the SPLOST 2020 budget, additional funding might require future SPLOST allocations or increases in the millage rate. Commissioner John Culpepper highlighted the advantages of selecting the 120 W. Dougherty Street location for the center.
“We’re using actual land that we own versus going out and trying to purchase something, you know,” said Culpepper. “When we were looking at the other pieces of property, that was stuff that we didn’t own, and I think that’s a huge benefit because if we weren’t, if we were actually buying the land, the cost would even go higher.”
Residents of Athens-Clarke County will have two more opportunities to voice their opinions on the fiscal year budget. Public comments can be made on June 2 and June 4 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
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