Warner Robins to spend $9M in unused funds on city improvement projects. What are they?

Warner Robins council members recently voted to make major city improvements with unused money to improve parks, employee technology, community grants, city roads, sidewalks and more.

The money, which totals $9 million, will come from unused funds in two areas: Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the money will be used in areas needed most.

“These funds give us the opportunity to do something extra,” she said. “We looked at areas that would increase the quality of life in Warner Robins and focused our attention on those projects.”

One project will include improvements to the Ferguson Memorial Park building which will cost $113,000. The city will use 2012 special purpose tax funds to pay for the project.

Another $500,000 will be allocated to fund new park projects.

The $500,000 is a portion of the $9 million unused American Rescue Plan Act and special purpose tax funds.

The city plans to spend $2 million on outdated technology and $1.5 million on community grants.

Patrick said the money for upgraded technology will go toward equipment, cyber security, software and more.

“Technology is an expensive project to tackle and we are years behind where we need to be,” she said. “These funds will help greatly to get us where we need to be in the world of technology.”

Patrick also said community grants were a high priority as people rebuild after the pandemic.

“So many people and organizations took a hit when COVID-19 arrived,” she said. “We wanted to make sure we used some of these funds to help them get back on their feet and remain there.”

$500,000 will be used on customer service upgrades and city roads and sidewalks.

Patrick explained this was another top priority for the city.

“We want people to get out and enjoy our city so we are prioritizing connecting our sidewalks and connecting our parks,” she said. “We want Warner Robins to be a friendly place where people can walk and ride their bikes and feel safe.”

Patrick said she feels good about where the money is going and how the projects being funded will benefit the community.

“I’m glad we voted in agreement to put these extra funds towards these projects,” she said. “We wanted to use the funds towards things that our community can touch, see, and feel and will directly benefit them.”