Jail Addition Project to Cost Extra $75K
By Misty Green
During the Monday, April 7 Macon County Committee of the Whole, Sheriff Wilburn told commissioners that 50 inmates must be housed in another facility for approximately three weeks for construction on the $1,911,476.31 Jail addition project.
Sheriff Wilburn said he had spoken with Putnam County Prison and that they could accommodate the request to house the 50 inmates for $75,000. This is set to occur in May, so Commissioners approved sending the request to the full body meeting in two weeks for a final decision.
The Sheriff explained the increases in the FY26 Sheriff’s Department, Jail, and Workhouse budgets. He stated that he needs to hire correctional officers for the jail addition and train them before construction is completed. In the March 24th Budget Committee Meeting, he also requested salary increases for the deputies and correctional officers.
After some discussion, commissioners voted to defer the three Sheriff controlled budgets to a later meeting.
IN OTHER NEWS
Hillsdale Circle Waterline Approved
Masonic Lodge #664 members at 195 Hillsdale Circle and several other houses along the road have sought public water access for years. That obstacle looks to change with the approval of a $213,932.62 waterline project by Macon County Commissioners on Monday, April 7. The bids were accepted, and the money has been transferred from the General Fund to be spent.
Wesley Park Special Exception Request
The board of zoning appeals held a public hearing at its November 2024 meeting concerning Wesley Park’s special exception request in the A-1 Agricultural-Forestry District.
The minutes said the request is to allow the operation of a wedding venue in an existing accessory building on the 1869 Taurus Farm Road property.
A couple of local residents expressed opposition at the hearing due to the narrowness of the road and the amount of traffic the venue would generate. However, at the December 17, 2024, meeting, the codes enforcement officers reported that a field inspection of the road showed it to be significantly wide enough and that the observed traffic seemed negligible. Also, it was reported that the county attorney had been consulted, and it was his opinion that the board should consider granting the special exception. After discussing the information provided and noting the county attorney’s opinion, Connie Shrum made a motion for the board of zoning appeals to grant the Park special exception request. Kerri Craig seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Macon Co. February Codes Report
The Macon County Codes report for February 2025 stated that the County has received a total of $97,612 in impact fees so far this year and that the previous year’s total was $67,940.
Summary of February Permits: 18 new home sites; seven modular home sites; two residential additions; two remodels; one commercial; four garages & outbuildings; two porches/decks; 20 plumbing/mechanical; total new residential square feet 38,695.
Macon County Animal Control February Report
The Macon County Animal Control Department reported that for the month of February they received 32 calls/complaints; 24 calls for dogs-at-large; five calls for welfare checks; three animal bites; 17 county dogs picked up; seven dogs picked up from Red Boiling Springs; one dog reclaimed by owner; nine dogs adopted; 15 dogs sent to rescue; two dogs euthanized; 52 total dogs moved out; four dogs currently in pound. Here are the February adoptions: “Blue” to Lance Russell; “Ren” to Brylee Taylor; “Jalen” to Elizabeth Hauskins; “Nick” to Kerrigan Craft; “Thor” and “Loki” to Jessica Oldham; “Jean” reclaimed by Emily Hernandez-Sanyos; and “Chanel” to Susan Basket. Donations: Thomas Adair $300 and Elizabeth Hauskins $2.
Fund Balance Budget Amendments FY 24-25
August 19 – Circuit Court Clerk, annual support fee for app, $5,995.
September 16 – Judicial Commissioners, additional full-time commissioner, $27,700.
October 21 – General Sessions Court, annual camera fees and insurance deductible, $2,500.
October 21 – E-911, repairs on buildings, $2,000.
October 21 – Sheriff’s Department, repayment of FY24 SRO Grant, 20,155.06.
November 18 – Willette Fire Department, cascade system – Firefighter Grant balance, $14,027.26.
December 16 – Trustee’s Office, copier lease, $2,200.
December 16 – Property Assessor Office, copier lease, $2,200.
February 18 – County Commission, legal services, $25,000.
March 17 – Parks & Fair Boards, roof repairs, $6,000.
March 17 – Other charges, including liability insurance on the Administration Building, are $14,645.
March 17 – Mayor’s Office, postage and printing, $3,500.
April 21 – Ag Extension, HVAC replacement, $7,250.
April 21 – General Fund to Capital Projects, Hillsdale Circle Waterline & vehicle balance, $213,932.62.
Totaling $347,104.94
OTHER FUNDS
August 19 – Drug Fund, confidential drug enforcement, $20,000.
October 21 – Debt Service, paving Nature Trail Way, $260,000.
March 17 – County Clerk, Restricted – office equipment at Administration Building, $15,000.
March 17 – Drug Fund, other charges, $4,859.26.
March 17 – Solid Waste, vehicle repairs, $10,000.
April 21 – County Clerk, Restricted – office equipment at Admin Building $2,900
April 21 – New Elementary School to Ed Capital Projects, Architect Fees, $235,043.75
