Macon-Bibb County Commission Pre-Commission and Regular Meeting - July 30, 2025

The Macon-Bibb County Commission held a pre-commission meeting at 4:30 p.m. followed by a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. on July 30, 2025. The pre-commission meeting handled numerous routine items including alcohol licenses, board reappointments, agreements, budget transfers, and grants, all of which were later approved as part of the consent agenda during the regular meeting. An executive session was held to discuss real estate purchases and legal matters, resulting in two property acquisition approvals.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Amendments: Approved minutes from the June 17, 2025 pre-commission meeting.
• Alcohol Licenses (all unanimously approved and sent to consent agenda):
  • Georgia Family Alliance Inc. (private club) – 2920 Houston Avenue.
  • Murphy Express #8519 – 1402 Gray Highway.
  • The Social Duck – 476 Second Street.
• Reappointments to Boards and Committees (all unanimously approved):
  • Dr. Sundra Woodford – Macon-Bibb County Land Bank Authority.
  • Judge Sarah Harris and Ms. Andrea Cook – Region 2 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
  • Commissioner Seth Clark – Visit Macon Board of Directors.
  • Ms. Elaine Lucas – Central Georgia Development Authority.
  • Mr. Raymond Wilder – Macon Fire and Police Retirement Board of Trustees.
  • Ms. Nancy White and Yamikia Head – Bibb County Department of Family and Children’s Services.
  • K. Bellebu and Theron Ushery – Macon-Bibb County Sports Advisory Committee.
• Agreements:
  • Resolution authorizing an agreement with BTB for a building feasibility study for the radio shop and architectural services for public works building renovations, in the amount of $50,000 from the 2018 SPLOST Fund (Public Safety).
  • Resolution to participate in the national Sandoz opioid settlement ($99.5 million fund, allocation to Macon-Bibb unknown; due by end of September 2025).
  • Resolution authorizing a three-year installment agreement with Dell Financial Services for countywide Microsoft Windows Server and Office Suite licenses, total $2,360,463.21 (approx. $786,821 per year) from IT budget.
• Budget Transfers (FY2025 “true-ups”):
  • Ordinance transferring $46,000 within Parks and Beautification for vehicle maintenance.
  • Supplemental appropriation of $86,700 from general fund fund balance for lifeguard services at Lake Tobesofkee (FY2025).
• 2018 SPLOST Project Completion: Ordinance appropriating remaining 2018 SPLOST funds and declaring projects substantially completed.
• Bragg Jam Festival: Resolution authorizing Bragg Jam Inc. to hold its 2025 concert crawl downtown July 25-27, with alcohol consumption permitted, and requiring reimbursement for security and cleanup.
• Change Order: $35,000 change order for Triple Point Engineering for landfill gas well repairs (from solid waste landfill line items).
• Grants Accepted:
  • Council of Accountability Courts grant for FY2026 – $1,153,520 (with $27,092 in-kind match) for Macon Judicial Circuit Family Drug Court.
  • Accountability courts grant – $197,713 (with $34,891 in-kind match) for Adult Felony Drug Court.
  • Adoption of Economic and Community Development Department FY2026 budgets for ESG ($161,937), HOME ($1,052,176.75), and CDBG ($1,834,622 + program income) – with public service allocations listed.
• Transportation Plan Match: Ordinance appropriating $60,000 from general fund to match a grant for updating the MATS MPO 2050 transportation plan.
• Memorial Plaque: Ordinance approving signage in memory of Billy Scott Carter at Boat Ramp, with up to $1,000 appropriated from general fund fund balance to Parks and Beautification budget.
• Public Safety Items:
  • Ordinance appropriating $340,045 from school zone camera funds (sponsored programs) to Bibb County School District for a truancy officer over three years.
  • Ordinance appropriating up to $109,138.58 from school zone camera funds to Windsor Academy for safety improvements (cameras).
• Passenger Rail Resolution: Resolution expressing support for an Atlanta–Macon–Savannah passenger rail line and requesting the mayor to designate a representative for evaluation discussions with GDOT.
• Real Estate Purchases (after executive session):
  • Ordinance to purchase 1.15 acres (near Daybreak and Caroline Creighton Park) at a cost not to exceed $600,000 from 2018 SPLOST recreation funds.
  • Ordinance to purchase 10.1 acres (connecting Amerson River Park to 200-acre county-owned property) at a cost not to exceed $2.3 million, with $1.8 million from 2018 SPLOST recreation and additional contributions of $250,000 each from NewTown Macon and Urban Development Authority. The property is a bargain sale (appraised at $2.7 million, purchase price $2.1 million).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Asi Allen, Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful spoke on agenda item 14B (real property). She requested that a portion of the $1.8 million appropriated for recreation from 2018 SPLOST be used for repairs and upgrades at the Major Willie Baloo Fort Hill Community Center (Eastview Park). She also suggested that Grow Macon Inc. manage the center after repairs, citing the success of the Booker T. Washington Center and the MVP program. She noted that over $300,000 has been invested in the park through collaborative efforts, and new playground equipment is being installed. She emphasized community engagement and asked the commission to consider investing in the center.

Discussion Items

• Opioid Settlement Explanation: Chief Assistant County Attorney Michael McNeil explained the national Sandoz opioid settlement — a $99.5 million fund for local governments that opt in by September 2025. Macon-Bibb has already received approximately $1.6 million from prior settlements (from retailers like CVS and Kroger). Funds must be used to mitigate opioid epidemic effects. Commissioner Stewart asked about allocation; McNeil said it works like a broad grant for addiction services, Narcan, etc. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Economic & Community Development Budget Presentation: Director Wanzina Jackson presented the proposed FY2026 budgets for ESG, HOME, and CDBG grants funded by HUD. She detailed allocations: ESG ($161,937) for homeless prevention and rapid rehousing; HOME ($1,052,176.75) for housing projects (rehabilitation, new construction, down payment assistance) with 15% set aside for CHDOs; CDBG ($1,834,622 + $85,000 program income + $17,450 general fund) for public services, minor home repair, public facilities, and economic development. She listed recommended public service agencies and those not funded. Commissioner Stewart asked about the effect of potential federal budget cuts (up to 45% for HUD); the mayor and Ms. Jackson advised continued advocacy. The budget was approved unanimously.
• Passenger Rail Resolution: Commissioner Stewart spoke in support, noting he will meet with former mayors in Atlanta to advance the line. The resolution, which does not appropriate funds, was approved.
• Executive Session & Real Estate: The commission entered executive session at approximately 5:00 p.m. (time noted in pre-commission) to discuss pending litigation, real estate, and other legal matters. After reconvening, two real estate purchases were approved (as listed in consent calendar).

Key Outcomes

• All items on the pre-commission consent agenda (items A through BB) were approved unanimously by the commission during the regular meeting, including the two real estate purchases.
• Public comment from Asi Allen was heard; no immediate action was taken on her request, but the commission acknowledged it.
• The commission passed resolutions authorizing participation in the Sandoz opioid settlement and supporting the Atlanta–Macon–Savannah passenger rail line.
• The FY2026 budgets for ESG, HOME, and CDBG were adopted.
• The commission approved a three-year funding commitment of $340,045 for a school truancy officer and $109,138.58 for Windsor Academy safety cameras.
• The next regular meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. on a future date (not specified in the transcript).