ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A proposal to add emblems inside the Albany Dougherty County Government chambers is drawing different reactions from a commissioner and some residents.

Albany Ward 5 Commissioner Colette Jenkins said the emblems would give the chamber a unique identity. Some residents said taxpayer money should be spent on more important things.

Commissioner cites community pride

Jenkins said the idea came when she was a resident attending meetings. She said she believes it should have been done a long time ago.

“This building has been here at least since the 90s. And there was never, at least the city or the county official logo, placed inside the chamber,” Jenkins said.

“I think it’s necessary because I want our communities to have community pride when they come into this building,” she said.

Jenkins presented the idea to the City Commission at its annual retreat, where she and her fellow commissioners voted to move forward with the proposal.

She later presented the idea to the Dougherty County Commission, along with two AI-generated images showing her vision for the emblems.

Residents question spending

Jenkins also posted the images on her Facebook page and asked for opinions. Many commenters did not like the design or the idea in general.

Albany resident Burton Newcomb agreed with them. He made his own post asking people to contact their commissioners and tell them the emblems should not be a priority for local leaders.

“I feel like currently, that’s an expense we don’t need to take on. And I feel like there’s better places to put that money to work. And once we get a more balanced budget, then we can spend some money on emblems,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb said the AI-generated image doesn’t look right. He said he believes the focus should be on bringing jobs to the area, reducing crime and improving education.

Commissioner responds

Jenkins said she understands residents’ concerns about spending. She said the AI-generated images were only meant to demonstrate the idea, and she hopes to include a local artist in the design process.

“I do hear you, I see you, and I understand,” Jenkins said.

Cost not yet determined

Jenkins said the final cost has not been determined. She said commissioners are considering different materials and more affordable options before making a decision.

The county commission is expected to consider the proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, the city and county would move forward with a joint bid for the design and build.

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