Macon-Bibb County Commission Special Call Meeting – March 19, 2026

This special call meeting, held on March 19, 2026 (the transcript indicates March 18, 2026, but the official date provided is March 19), began with a pre-commission session at 4:00 PM and was followed by the regular commission meeting at 6:00 PM. The commission addressed a large consent agenda including alcohol license renewals, contracts, and budget appropriations, debated a resolution to designate code enforcement as a public safety department, and heard public testimony on a contested alcohol license application for 478 Lounge LLC.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the February 17, 2026 pre-commission meeting were approved.
• Alcohol License Renewals & New Licenses – The following were approved en bloc (unless noted):
  • Broadway Mini Mart (4205 Broadway) – Denial recommended due to insufficient food on two of three inspections; motion to approve denial carried.
  • Schuster's Candy Creamery (616 Poplar St.) – Approved for new alcohol license (adding alcohol to ice cream).
  • Family Corner (4933 Sarter Church Rd.) – Approved.
  • Theatre Macon (442 Cherry St.) – Approved.
  • BP Food Mart (5594 Houston Rd.) – Approved.
  • Gangnam Grill (575 Mulberry St.) – Approved.
  • Houston Food Mart (5642 Houston Rd.) – Approved.
  • Sherlin Pit Stop (1904 Shirling Dr.) – Approved.
  • BP Martin (3843 Bloomfield Rd.) – Approved.
  • Waltho Walthal (3720 Riverside Dr.) – Approved.
  • Jay Reid's (317 Cotton Ave., Suite A) – Approved.
  • Pyanona Food and Fuel LLC (Marathon) (3701 Pio Nono Ave.) – Approved.
• Agreements, Contracts, and Purchase Orders (Items 4A–4J) – All approved, including:
  • $105,720 security system upgrade at Thomas Jackson Juvenile Justice Center (paid from 2018 SPLOST).
  • $1,231,636.36 asphalt paving contract with Professional Paving Services LLC (2025 SPLOST).
  • $112,418.80 fuel handling equipment purchase with Miko of Atlanta.
  • Facilities use agreement with American Red Cross for disaster shelters.
  • $216,000 + $7.50 per 1095-C employee benefits brokerage contract with MFP Corporate Services (group insurance fund).
  • $221,764.89 radio equipment maintenance renewal with Williams Communications.
  • Emergency shelter operations contract with Ed's Hoka LLC (EMA budget).
  • Two-year lease with Macon Transit Authority for 17,107 sq. ft. at Terminal Station ($219,311.76 annual).
  • Roadway plan approval for Industrial Park Phase 3 (I-16 / Joe Tamplin Blvd.).
  • Participation in national opioid settlement with six remnant defendants (estimated $50,000–$60,000 total).
• 2018 & 2025 SPLOST Ordinances – Approved:
  • Transfer of interest/earnings from 2018 SPLOST to close out the fund.
  • Appropriation of $31,500,000 from 2025 SPLOST for jail expansion/upgrade, arena project, public safety, cultural/recreation, IT projects, and debt service. Breakdown: $5M to debt, $5M to jail pre-construction, $17.5M to arena pre-construction, $375,000 to culture/recreation, $1.5M to IT.
• Appropriations and Transfers – Approved:
  • $35,000 from general fund balance for dock access software (ADA compliance for blind users, 52-language translation).
  • Not-to-exceed $14 million for Bibb County Courthouse renovations (2018 SPLOST). Project includes safety/security upgrades, new holding cells, Sally port, elevator, generators, windows, and additional courtroom.
• Grants – Approved:
  • LMIG (Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant) of $2,697,459.99 with $809,237.97 local match from 2018 SPLOST.
  • CDBG grants (Items B–L) approved in block.
  • Safe Streets and Roads for All grant of $400,000 with $100,000 local match for updated Vision Zero action plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Latricia Wright (East Macon resident) – Spoke in opposition to the alcohol license for 478 Lounge LLC, reading a letter from Flora Mackey (East Macon Pine Hill Neighborhood Watch). Cited research showing a 63% increased risk of crime near alcohol sales, 40% of violent crimes involving alcohol, and expressed concern about late-night establishments near residential areas. Requested denial.
• David Lockett (East Macon resident, U.S. Navy veteran) – Spoke in support of applicant Lanita Hunt, highlighting her character, community involvement (school supply giveaways, grooming workshops), and steps taken to ensure safety (off-duty law enforcement, camera system). Urged granting the license based on second chances and her livelihood.
• Delveyon Porter (former employee) – Spoke in support, describing Lanita Hunt as a God-fearing woman who helped him grow as a manager. Emphasized fairness and second chances.
• Robert Rickard (attorney for applicant) – Reiterated that the prior incident (drive-by shooting at old location) was four years ago, the camera system was the only violation, and she voluntarily surrendered her license with an understanding it would not be a future ban. She has met all qualifications for the new location.

Discussion Items

• Code Enforcement Designation as Public Safety (Item 9A) – Resolution to designate the code enforcement department as a public safety department for all purposes, including eligibility for incentive pay (longevity bonus) and FAA drone licensing. Attorney McNeil explained it does not change the sheriff's authority as chief law enforcement; any law enforcement actions by code officers flow from Sheriff Davis. Several commissioners expressed concerns about charter implications, jurisdictional confusion, and the need for input from District 5 (unrepresented due to vacancy). Motions to table failed (5-3). After debate, the resolution passed 5-3.
• Courthouse Satellite Designation (Item 10A) – Ordinance to designate the Macon-Bibb County Courthouse Annex at the Macon Mall and the Thomas Jackson Juvenile Justice Center as permanent satellite courthouses. Approved unanimously.
• Executive Session – Held for consultation with legal counsel on pending litigation and settlements. Lasted approximately 30 minutes.
• Tax Refund Request (Item 12A) – Resolution to deny a request for 2023 and 2024 ad valorem tax refund from Ivy (pursuant to OCGA 48-5-380). Motion to deny carried.
• 478 Lounge LLC Alcohol License (Item PP) – Applicant Lanita Hunt requested a new alcohol license for the 478 Lounge at Shurling Plaza. Attorney Rickard argued that the prior surrender was not a ban. Commissioner Stewart made a motion to approve with stipulations, but the motion failed 5-3. A subsequent motion to deny passed 5-3. In the regular meeting, public comments were heard, and the motion to deny was upheld on a 5-3 vote. The denial is final, but the applicant may refile after remedial steps.

Key Outcomes

• Code enforcement designated as a public safety department (5-3 vote). Eligible officers will receive incentive pay; department gains FAA drone licensing clarity.
• Courthouse satellite designation approved – Allows continued judicial operations during courthouse renovations.
• 478 Lounge alcohol license denied (5-3 votes in both pre-commission and regular meeting). Applicant may refile after addressing concerns.
• Consent agenda items all approved – Including multiple alcohol licenses, contracts, SPLOST appropriations, and grants.
• Next meeting – Potential special call meeting the following week; regular meeting scheduled for April.