Colbert plans to purchase old school

“Where will we be getting the money to do this from?” he asked.

Mayor Chris Peck said special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) funds could be used.

“And if we’re able to split it up the payments like I’m hoping, then we won’t even have to borrow anything to do it,” said Peck.

Tim Wyatt inquired about the amount which they had previously invested into the buildings upkeep and maintenance.

“How much do we already have invested into the old school building?” asked Wyatt.

City Advisor John Waggoner gave the council a rough idea of the invested amount.

“I’m not completely sure,” said Waggoner. “However, my best guess would be well over $100,000.”

Mayor Peck offered one last statement regarding the matter.

“We’ve obviously put a lot into this building already, so here’s the chance to invest a little bit more and once and for all clear up who owns what,” he said. “Long term, I believe we would benefit greatly from doing this, and it will give us the ability to potentially relocate city hall, expand our museum and continue to rent out the facility for any other means of use that we see fit.”

OTHER BUSINESS

In other matters, the council members unanimously decided to take contract bids for the building of restrooms in the old school building. There will be no city election this time around for Colbert, due to no opposition for any of the three positions. The city adopted a new mileage rate of 3.62. “I feel like that’s a good rate,” said Peck. “Nobody’s taxes are going to increase, and it will still bring in around $38,098.” Also, getting a head start on the plans for this year’s Colbert Christmas Program, Mayor Peck and the council established the date of Dec. 9 and discussed some potential ideas. “I let it sneak up on me last year, so I want us to go ahead and be getting volunteers and ideas together for what we’re planning to do.” he said.