By GABE JORDAN

gabe.jordan@gaflnews.com

CORDELE — Cordele City Commissioners approved a contract Tuesday with Crumley Construction to begin construction of a new building at the 2nd Street park used by the Boys and Girls Club.

The contract for $598,084 also includes renovation of the gym currently on the property. The city will provide $469,000 in grant funding for the construction/renovation project, and the Boys and Girls Club will provide the balance of $129,084, which was donated by an anonymous benefactor.

In other city commission business:

•Garbage rates in the city will rise from $19.45 per month to $20.10 for the July billing cycle. City Manager Jean Burnette told commissioners the increase is due to rising fuel costs, and garbage rates will be adjusted monthly in the future rather than quarterly. A total of 3,688 residential customers pay for garbage pick-up in Cordele.

•Burnette also reported to the city commission on the SAM Shortline’s tourism benefits. In June the excursion train had almost 2,500 passengers over nine events, for an average of 276 passengers per outing.

•In addition to the city’s annual report to the state Environmental Protection Division, Commissioners learned they are now required to make semi-annual reports to the Georgia Water and Soil Conservation Commission on the activities of all land-disturbing permits for stormwater.

•The city’s Board of Zoning Appeals will meet today at 4:30 p.m. to hear a variance request from Joseph Cook on property he has at 410 North 5th Street.

Commissioners adjourned into executive session at the end of Tuesday’s meeting to discuss acquisition, litigation, personnel and potential litigation.