Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May is proposing funding to build a new animal shelter, a recreation center and a library.
May's budget amendment letter Tuesday outlined the spending efforts that will be incorporated into the county's 2016 budget. Much of the money to pay for these projects would come from a one-time windfall gained by refinancing bonds and restructuring their payment schedule.
The $8.6 million animal shelter would be constructed near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and be funded through short-term bonds, according to May’s budget proposal. The DeKalb Commission could vote on the project’s funding as soon as Feb. 9.
The county expects to gain another $25.8 million by refinancing bonds at low interest rates.
About $18.6 million of that money would go toward construction of a Wade Walker Library, an intergenerational center at Tobie Grant Park, a Lithonia Senior Center, parks maintenance, library books and sidewalks.
The remaining $7.2 million would go toward DeKalb’s savings accounts, bringing the county close to its goal of keeping about one month’s worth of operating funds in reserve — about $50 million.
The DeKalb Commission will vote on the county's $1.31 billion budget later this month.
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