By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great local journalism.
South will get two rec centers
Board chair breaks impasse on funding
Placeholder Image
Forsyth County News

The decision to fund two recreation centers in south Forsyth split the county commission Thursday and left at least one official puzzled.

Commissioner Jim Boff and Jim Harrell opposed the measure, which passed by a 3-2 vote.

Chairman Charles Laughinghouse cast the swing vote on the matter, which specifies funding sources for both centers -- one for Fowler Park, at Hwy. 9 and Castleberry Road, and the other on the recently acquired Buice property, at Nichols and Old Atlanta roads.

An attempt to bring the issue up June 18 was not successful, but Laughinghouse's vote Thursday moved the proposal forward.

"I'm pleased a majority of the board saw the need for a recreation center in that part of the county," said Commissioner Brian Tam, whose district includes the Buice center. "The county will be well-served by this recreation center."

Boff said he was surprised at how Laughinghouse voted.

"The idea of tabling the thing was actually his idea in the first place," Boff said. "He told me then he didn't think there would ever come a time when we would find the money to fund this, so it definitely surprised me."

The commission's decision was applauded by the large turnout of residents who spoke prior to the vote Thursday.

Bill Thomas, the county's chief financial officer, said the $6.5 million Fowler center could be funded with money from the $100 million parks and recreation bond and parks and recreation impact fees.

The $7.5 million Buice center will be paid for through a mix of impact fees, 1-cent sales tax funds and parks and recreation bond money, according to Thomas.