Macon-Bibb County Pre-Commission & Regular Meeting Summary

This document summarizes the Macon-Bibb County Pre-Commission meeting held on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM, followed immediately by the Regular Commission meeting starting shortly after 6:00 PM. The proceedings addressed the approval of meeting minutes, the denial and approval of multiple alcohol licenses, the appropriation of funds for local housing services and food security initiatives following a federal government shutdown, and the acceptance of various state and federal grants. The meetings concluded with a discussion on the emergency use of reserve funds to address food insecurity and a transition into executive session for legal consultation regarding litigation.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the October 21st, 2025 Pre-Commission meeting were approved unanimously on motion by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wynne.
• Consent Agenda Items (Approved unanimously on motion by Commissioner Wilder, seconded by Commissioner Stewart):
  • Contracts & Purchases: Authorization for $104,400 Dell hardware, $130,384 network equipment from One Accord Technologies, $122,970 emergency alert radios (3,000 units) from Midland Radio, $55,000 architectural services for Code Enforcement renovation from BITB Inc., and $39,600 consulting services from A.G. Wit, LLC to update the hazard mitigation plan. (Note: Commissioner Bryant sought clarification on surplus computer disposal; the administration confirmed surplus items are sold to recoup funds.)
  • Appropriations & Transfers:
    • $50,000 appropriation from ARPA interest to Home First Housing Resource Services to ensure operations through February 2026.
    • $40,000 appropriation from the 2018 supplies fund to New Town Making Inc. for the Heritage Trail connector completion (Motion added as co-sponsor by Mayor Protoum Clark and Commissioner Bryan).
    • $150,000 appropriation for Community Food Distribution Services to support the Food Bank and local providers during the federal shutdown.
  • Grant Acceptances:
    • $97,024 DOJ COPS grant for Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (deputy-focused).
    • $14,280 Georgia Relief Grant for shade tree planting at Dolores Brooks Recreation Center.
• Alcohol Licenses (Pre-Commission Vote):
  • Approved: TIPCO Food & Gas (6011 Bethel Church Rd), Welcome at 4505 Broadway (Macon), Triangle Food & Gas (2112 Millerfield Rd), and Marathon (4505 Broadway). Vote tallies included an 8-1 pass for Triangle Food & Gas.
  • Denied: Sonny Gas (4331 Pinona Ave) and JEC Food Mark (3565 Pineona Ave) due to outstanding taxes, lack of certificate of good standing, or failure to meet newspaper publication requirements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Reginald Bell (Home First Housing Resource Services): Testified regarding a critical funding shortfall caused by the federal government shutdown which halted HUD payments for the past year. Bell stated the agency has served 174 people since January 2025 and is currently facing the end of its operating reserve in 30 days, necessitating the $50,000 appropriation to stay open through February 2026. Bell expressed concern that the shutdown will trigger a "snowball effect" leading to increased evictions and the need for foreclosure assistance.
• Robert McCord (Deputy Director of Emergency Management): Clarified that while the county communicates with the National Guard Reserve during training exercises (e.g., Patriot South), utilizing National Guard resources for disaster response requires a formal request through the state governor or GEMA, and cannot be bypassed even by direct coordination with local commanders.
• Commissioner Hewitt & Commissioner Bryant: Both expressed strong support for the $150,000 food distribution appropriation. Commissioner Hewitt noted the Food Bank's ability to purchase food in bulk is superior to direct food donations, while Commissioner Bryant highlighted the severe hardship faced by federal employees and military personnel in the county due to the shutdown.
• Mayor Protem Clark: Provided context on the severity of the situation, noting that the President is ignoring a court order to spend a $4.6 billion contingency fund, resulting in 13% of Georgia residents (1.4 million people) receiving reduced SNAP payments, with 640,000 of those being children. Clark estimated the $150,000 appropriation covers approximately $26 per SNAP recipient in the county.
• Jackie Gilmer: Spoke on transportation issues during the regular meeting's public comments segment (truncated in transcript).
• Commissioner Williams: Expressed concern regarding the cold conditions in the Clerk's office and the building's inability to run multiple heaters, highlighting the need for the Code Enforcement renovation.
• Commissioner Bryant: Asked about the process for residents to access homebuyer education and services, noting the long engagement periods some clients require to address credit or income issues.

Discussion Items

• Federal Shutdown Impact: Extensive discussion occurred regarding the operational and humanitarian impacts of the federal government shutdown. Commissioners and the Mayor emphasized the use of local reserves to support the community rather than waiting for federal funds. Commissioner Howell and others co-sponsored the food distribution motion to ensure immediate liquidity for food banks and schools.
• Emergency Alert Radios: Commissioner Bryant questioned the specific use of the $122,970 purchase, and the administration clarified these are portable units intended for distribution to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, following the distribution of over 4,600 units in the last two years.
• Hazard Mitigation Plan: Commissioner Bell (Emergency Management) and Robert McCord discussed the scope of the $39,600 consultant engagement to update the five-year hazard mitigation plan, involving public input and partner agencies.
• Code Enforcement Relocation: Discussion regarding the renovation of Code Enforcement offices at City Hall, driven by the need for expanded hours and additional personnel, and the building's current lack of accessibility (no elevator).

Key Outcomes

• Motion Carried: Approval of the October 21st minutes.
• Vote Passed (8-1): Approval of the alcohol license application for Triangle Food & Gas. (Note: Transcript mentions 8-1 for Triangle, but standard unanimous consent was noted for others; specific vote count for Marathon was 6-2 according to one speaker, though final motion language indicates "carries 62, 72" which appears to be a transcription error for a tally, but the outcome was approval).
• Motion Carried Unanimously:
  • Denial of licenses for Sonny Gas and JEC Food Mark.
  • Approval of all budget appropriations ($50k for housing, $40k for trails, $150k for food).
  • Acceptance of the DOJ COPS grant and Georgia Relief Grant.
  • Authorization of all contracts and purchase orders.
• Executive Session: The commission entered executive session to consult with county attorneys regarding pending litigation and settlement of claims. A single item was carried out of the session regarding the owner/operator of a specific location (478... referenced as "four seven eight") and ownership history linked to Rodeo 24 K Bar and Grill LLC, moving forward with a motion by Commissioner Howell.
• Future Actions: The $150,000 food distribution fund is to be allocated to the Food Bank and approximately 10 local providers chosen based on prior standing and ability to procure food quickly (including purchasing from retailers like Walmart/Kroger).