Macon-Bibb commissioners discuss bringing minor league baseball back

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Some Macon-Bibb commissioners aren’t happy with the steps they’re taking to bring minor league baseball back to Macon.

The Operations and Finance Committee approved paying $50,000 to a company that will conduct a feasibility study. It will determine if Macon is a good place to have a minor league baseball team.

Commissioner Elaine Lucas voted against it and said there are better ways to spend that money. She feels the study will show Macon has a lot of locations for a baseball field. She believes the company that would conduct the study will also recommend commissioners build a new baseball stadium.

“They will also tell us it takes millions of dollars to do it. We already know that so we don’t need to spend $50,000 for someone to tell us something we already know,” said Commissioner Lucas.

Commissioner Gary Bechtel said the study is needed to show the county what it needs to do to attract a team to the area.

“You can not answer those questions until you get a professional organization with the kind of contacts this group has to do a feasibility study. If we want to improve the quality of life, which we’re charged with doing, this is a great opportunity and you have to invest a little bit of money to get it done,” explained Commissioner Bechtel.

Mayor Robert Reichert said the money will come from the Bibb Mill Tax Allocation District because that is one possible sit for the ball park. Full commission will vote on the resolution at its meeting next week.