Peachtree City is down to spending the last remaining dollars from the $3 million facilities improvement bond issued last year.
The funds allowed for a sweeping upgrade to a number of deteriorating facilities that included recreational tennis courts which had fallen into major disrepair, needed repairs for fire stations, and sewer improvements for the city buildings in the McIntosh recreation complex.
In a presentation to the city council last month, Community Services Director Jon Rorie noted that there was about $247,000 left from the bond proceeds, and he identified three projects that would proceed in coming months due to that funding.
One of the projects will provide electrical upgrades to the city’s pools at an estimate of $45,000, while another $42,000 is set aside to repair the All Children’s Playground. Another $20,000 is earmarked for repairs to the Glenloch Recreation Center.
Rorie noted that one of the goals of the facility bond upgrades has been for each project manager to try and get the cost about 10 percent below the initial cost estimate. Sometimes that was successful and sometimes it wasn’t, Rorie added.
As more ongoing projects become complete, more funds are expected to be available as those projects finish under budget, Rorie added.
Other projects that could be funded beyond the final three include upgrades to the tower at the city’s BMX track as well as improvements to the walkway supports at the amphitheater cast house, Rorie said. Those projects will be dependent on achieving cost savings from ongoing projects, Rorie added.
In addition to providing funds to repair city facilities, the bond money was also used to purchase a new bubble exterior for the Kedron pools while simultaneously repairing the anchoring system for the bubble. The $667,000 price tag also included a new air exchange system for the facility, which is erected in the fall so swimming can take place long after summer is gone.
Although critics argued that the bubble purchase was an unnecessary item that only benefits those who use the pool off-season, others argued the purchase was necessary because the facility provides a tremendous benefit by helping property values in being an amenity available to all residents.
The city last year increased individual pool passes and swim team fees to help defray the annual debt service on the new bubble structure.
The city recently opened the newly-renovated McIntosh Place recreation center, which formerly housed the city’s recreation administration offices. The renovation cost $515,000 in large part because of upgrades needed to the flooring to handle large groups of people.
McIntosh Place is being used to house senior citizen programs offered by Fayette Senior Services in conjunction with the nearby Gathering Place senior center.
One recent project funded by the facilities bond is the replacement of the roof on the city library. It will cost the city $185,000 not including a grant from the state to help defray the expense.
