VALDOSTA — The Lowndes County Public Facilities Authority unanimously voted Tuesday to extend the payment deadline on the Series 2015A bond for the new South Georgia Regional Library from Dec. 1 to Oct. 1, 2018. 

The bond assists with funding renovations, as well as the relocation of the library from Woodrow Wilson to Julia Drive, which is set to tentatively open spring 2018.

Tom Gooding, attorney for the library, said the extension only affects the principal amount of $1,865,500 borrowed from the lender, Ameris Bank, by way of the authority.

The principal funding will remain the same, he said, and the current interest amount will still be paid quarterly and won’t be affected by the change.

“The Woodrow Wilson library has been a wonderful facility for our community for many years, but it’s just a worn-out facility, and it would be cost-prohibitive to go through and do the major renovations of the building’s systems,” Gooding said.

He said the design of the Julia Drive library will better benefit current and future patrons of the local community.

Lowndes County Commissioner Clay Griner, who was newly elected as authority chairperson, said he believes the facility will be an excellent upgrade.

“It’s going to be a great thing for the community,” he said. “A new modernized library, it’s going to be nice for everybody that does use it.”

Also during the meeting, member Crawford Powell reclaimed his position as vice-chairperson, while Michael Walker was voted to be the new secretary-treasurer. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.