The Jenkinsburg City Council, at its meeting last Monday evening, discussed a substantial increase in city hall renovation plans.
Mayor Kenneth Rooks said there was approximately a $13,000 increase in the renovation plans, and a large portion of the funds will go towards replacing the air conditioning unit that supplies the current structure.
“[The unit is] old and we should replace it before it goes bad and while funds are available," said Mayor Rooks. "With the economy as bad as it is, if we don't do it now we may not get a chance to replace it anytime soon."
The increase was questioned by newly elected Council Member David Nestor.
Nestor said he wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any more unforeseen projects.
"I have read the two extra work orders and the work order change; they require a substantial amount of money,” said Nestor. “Did we not know these things would need to be done initially?"
Council Member Eddie Ford said the funds being used were from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), and would only be available for a limited time.
"My concern is not about need so much as it is about the cost,” said Nestor. “I just want to make sure things like this won't pop up before construction is complete.”
Mayor Rooks said he couldn't see anything else that would be added to the construction budget.
Ford made a motion to accept the changes; the motion was seconded by Nestor and unanimously approved.
Mayor Rooks said there was a small delay in the completion of the renovation due to the inability to find brick that matched the current structure.
Construction is estimated to be completed in December.
The Council also discussed the proposed 2010 budget.
Ford reported there have been some short falls in income due to the decrease in the local one percent sales tax.
There were no public comments or questions made in reference to the budget.
The Council will vote on the budget at its December 14 meeting.
A copy of the budget is available at Jenkinsburg City Hall.