Public Meetings - Macon Bibb, Georgia

The Macon-Bibb County Commission held a pre-commission meeting at 4:00 PM and a regular meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at City Hall. The commission approved multiple routine items, heard public comments, and discussed significant initiatives including a senior homestead exemption proposal, a new occupation tax on tourist accommodations, and a land donation for a fire station. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 19, 2025 pre-commission and regular meetings, and the August 26, 2025 special call meeting were approved. - Appointments: - Angela Solomon reappointed to the Department of Family and Children's Services Board. - Ember Bentley reappointed to the Industrial Authority. - Patty Gibbs reappointed to the Spice Advisory Committee. - Road Paving Agreements: - Independent contractor agreement with Atlanta Paving and Concrete Construction for $2,209,409.11 (2024 LMIG supplemental grant). - Independent contractor agreement with Macleroy Inc. for $2,336,508 (2025 LMIG and 2018 SPLOST funds). - Airport Projects: - Agreement with Chris R. Sheridan dba Sheridan Construction for relocation of the airfield electrical vault at Middle Georgia Regional Airport for $2,913,861 (GDOT grant). - Agreement with TBI Airport Management for airport operations and maintenance services (annual amount not to exceed $200,000, 5-year term with 5-year option). - Agreement with APA X Inc. for roof replacement at WWII Hangar B and Embraer Hangar for $1,472,447.01. - Appropriation of $447,347 for common use passenger processing system and aircraft parking design/markings. - Other Agreements: - Agreement with Inspiring Healthy Lives LLC for counseling services up to $27,000 (family treatment court grant). - Agreement with Great Southern Recreation for playground equipment at Frank Johnson Park for $367,875.80 (2018 SPLOST). - Agreement with Middle Georgia Outdoor Lighting LLC for lighting at Caroline Creighton Park for $232,982 (2018 SPLOST). - Change order of $20,000 with Making a Difference Counseling and Training Services (Burn Discretionary Grant). - Renewal of MOU with GEMA and Chatham County for hurricane evacuation sheltering. - Grants: Acceptance of hazard mitigation grant of $45,000 (local match $15,000, additional $3,413 available) for updating multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. - Appropriations/Transfers: - Ordinance to authorize reallocation of 2018 SPLOST interest to projects (ARPA wrap-up). - Ordinance to reallocate up to $2.23 million from general fund to ARPA funds for already incurred expenses. - Supplemental appropriation of $20,000 to tax commissioner's salary for additional duties. - Senior Homestead Exemption Resolution: Resolution requesting state legislation to establish homestead exemptions for seniors (age 65: $34,000 exemption; age 75: $64,000 exemption). Approved unanimously and sent to consent agenda. - Occupation Tax Ordinance: Ordinance to amend code to create new occupation tax classification for tourist courts and short-term vacation rentals ($3/night standard, $1.50/night for 7-29 days, exempt for 30+ days). Public hearing held; approved to consent agenda. - Land Donation: Acceptance of 4.0 acres on Estes Road from Mr. Clay for construction of a fire station. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Julia Callahan expressed concerns about the senior homestead exemption, arguing the county budget is unsustainable due to deficit spending and that lowering property taxes for wealthy owners will harm public safety funding and essential services. She criticized the lack of action on public safety and jail upgrades. - Ronaldo Scott questioned the senior exemption plan, asking if it was based on life expectancy data and if it would reduce county revenue by $18-20 million per year. She noted that only a few counties have such exemptions and all are income-based; Macon-Bibb's would be age-only. She warned of future service cuts and called for transparent budget discussions. Discussion Items - Senior Homestead Exemption Resolution: Mayor Miller detailed the proposed exemptions (age 65: $10,000 county + $10,000 school + $7,000 existing; age 75 additional $15,000 each). The resolution requests state legislation and a voter referendum. Commissioners expressed support, with some noting constituent concerns about age thresholds and future financial impact. The mayor emphasized the exemptions are sustainable based on projected revenue growth and do not shift burden. The motion passed unanimously. - Occupation Tax for Tourist Accommodations: Senior Attorney Michael McNeil explained the new tiered tax ($3/night standard, $1.50/night for 7-29 days, exempt for 30+ days). Gary Wheat of Visit Macon estimated $2.5 million annual revenue from out-of-town visitors. Commissioners questioned enforcement (especially for short-term rentals) and were assured platforms collect and remit taxes. Approved unanimously. - Land Donation for Fire Station: Mr. Clay, a 92-year-old donor, recounted how the fire department saved his life in 1980 and donated 4 acres on Estes Road for a fire station. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Senior Homestead Exemption: Resolution approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Wilder, second by Commissioner Bronson). Will be sent to state delegation for legislation, then to voters in November 2026. - Occupation Tax Ordinance: Approved unanimously (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Clark, second by Commissioner Hewlett). Effective January 1, 2026. - Land Donation: Approved unanimously (motion by Mayor Miller, second by Commissioner Hewlett). Fire station construction required within 10 years. - All consent agenda items approved unanimously.

The Board of Commissioners held a combined pre-commission and regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, beginning at 4:35 PM. The pre-commission session covered routine approvals, contracts, grants, budget transfers, an alleyway abandonment, and a proposed millage rate reduction. A public hearing on the abandonment occurred at 5:45 PM. The regular meeting convened at 6:00 PM and included a proclamation, public comments, and unanimous approval of the consent agenda. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the millage rate reduction. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the August 5, 2025 pre-commission meeting. - Reappointment of Mr. George Thomas Sr. to the Board of Tax Assessors. - Four new alcohol licenses: Flying Biscuit Cafe (588 Mulberry St.), Quick Stop 2025 (2700 Riverside Dr.), WACO Beverage (3117 Vineville Ave.), and Dulce Amigos Food Mark (584 Emory Hwy.). - Contract attorney chief of appeals services agreement with Cynthia Adams in an annual amount not to exceed $84,000. - Emergency cover and road repairs on Hopewell Road with ACE Entities LLC for $94,500. - Asphalt paving and resurfacing services contract with Professional Paving Service, LLC for $1,896,165.22, funded by LMIG 2024 and 2018 SPLOST. - Agreement with GDOT for value engineering services for the Bass Road Widening Project in the amount of $100,000 (reimbursable by GDOT). - One-year extension of the employee assistance program contract with Southern Behavioral Services for $99,320. - Acceptance of a Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for FY2026 in the amount of $365,114 (no local match required), designated for counseling and technology in juvenile court. - Budget transfer within the Linear Park grant budget ($64,090) from contingency to contractual services for park amenities. - Appropriation of $230,000 from 2018 SPLOST proceeds for lighting at Caroline Creighton Park. - Authorization to abandon a portion of right-of-way between Broadway and Stephen Street (alleyway) and issuance of a quitclaim deed to Crisp Street Church of God in Christ for $1,306. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Cobb spoke against the millage rate reduction, arguing that the savings ($7.50 per month on a $200,000 home) would be offset by rising property values and would remove $1.33 million annually from the budget, affecting libraries, youth programs, and senior services. - Mr. LJ Malone addressed three items: (1) He supported the millage reduction but called for better public education on how it interacts with sales tax and tourism income; (2) He urged the Commission to study eliminating the 4% state grocery tax at the local level to help residents with food costs; (3) He voiced concern that recreation components (fitness equipment, basketball court) were removed from the Linear Park plan, making it a “passive park,” and questioned the disappearance of $40,000 in grant funding from the Community Foundation for fitness equipment. - Ms. Lucas (former commissioner) complimented the Commission’s focus on paving but criticized the removal of citizen representatives from the Complete Streets committee. She urged that pedestrian safety be maintained. She also asked the two commissioners serving on the Board of Health to push for livestreamed meetings and better resource awareness. Lastly, she outlined a state bill by her husband, Senator Lucas, to restructure the water board for greater citizen representation and accountability, claiming current district sizes are disproportionate. Discussion Items - Millage Rate Reduction: The mayor proposed reducing the millage rate from 9.900 to 9.575 mills for 2025. He presented slides showing that despite property value increases, the county’s property tax revenue dropped from $80.9 million in 2022 to $54.7 million in 2026, largely due to a one-percent SPLOST approved by voters. He stated the county increased services (public safety, mental health, recreation) while cutting taxes, and noted that neighboring counties were raising theirs. Commissioner Stewart expressed concern about over-reliance on tourism-based sales tax and suggested eliminating the 4% state grocery tax locally. The mayor countered that a balanced approach with SPLOST has worked well. The millage reduction passed by voice vote. - Linear Park Budget Transfer: The $64,090 transfer from contingency to contractual services was explained as a needed adjustment to pay the base construction contract (Stafford) due to higher-than-expected bids. The project includes shade pavilions, a bike track, walking facilities, and usable space based on public feedback. Commissioner Bryant asked if the scope had been expanded; the answer was no. - Bass Road Widening Project: Commissioner Wynne asked for clarification on “value engineering.” The mayor explained it is a process to seek cost-effective alternatives, and the $100,000 is for preliminary work with GDOT reimbursement expected in about six months. Construction is projected for 2027-2028. - Juvenile Justice Grant: Commissioner Bryant asked how the $365,114 grant would be spent. County attorney staff clarified the funds go to juvenile court for counseling and technology, as approved by the state. The county acts as a pass-through. Commissioner Stewart noted the broader issue of youth gun violence and the need for programs beyond this grant. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda items (A through P) unanimously by voice vote. - Approved the millage rate reduction from 9.900 to 9.575 mills for 2025 (voice vote, no dissenting votes heard). - Approved the alleyway abandonment and sale to Crisp Street Church of God in Christ after a public hearing with no opposition; the quitclaim deed for $1,306 was authorized. - Approved all pre-commission items to be placed on the consent agenda; these were later adopted at the regular meeting. - Directive: The mayor noted that future road project bids may require called meetings to expedite awards, and commissioners were asked to coordinate schedules. - No action taken: On the request to eliminate the local 4% grocery tax; the mayor acknowledged the idea but did not commit to a study. Commissioner Stewart planned to revisit it.