Macon-Bibb officials approve landmark budget

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved Tuesday the next fiscal budget that meets a consolidation milestone without having a millage rate increase.

The County Commission passed the $142.8 million general fund budget during a special called meeting. The budget, which also includes a 1.5 percent pay increase for employees, will go into effect Friday.

The fiscal 2017 budget exceeds the 20-percent reduction mandated within the first five years of consolidation. The budget is about $23 million lower than the combined Macon and Bibb County governments in fiscal 2014.

Macon and Bibb County merged in January 2014.

The latest budget passed with an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bert Bivins was not present during the meeting.

“We are delighted to have the (fiscal year 2017) budget adopted and ready to go on July 1,” Mayor Robert Reichert said.

The pay increase for employees will cost Macon-Bibb about $900,000 and the countywide property tax rate will remain at 14.65 mills. The city-county continues to use special purpose local option sales tax to pay for various projects so the fiscal 2017 budget does not include any funding for capital improvement projects.

Reaching the consolidation reduction requirement was aided by early retirement packages offered in 2015. The county was able to amend its current general fund budget in September by lowering it $2.9 million because of the buyouts.

Before the budget was approved, a last minute motion to add $200,000 failed 5-4, with Reichert casting the deciding vote.

Commissioner Virgil Watkins wanted the money to go toward an adult literacy program at Central Georgia Technical College. He said some programs have taken a hit with less funding since consolidation.

“I’m a bit concerned with the way we’re treating our community services,” Watkins said prior to the vote.

Several county officials said that funding from other sources has aided the adult literacy program and that Central Georgia did not request any money from Macon-Bibb for the upcoming fiscal year.

In other business Tuesday:

▪  The Operations and Finance Committee approved a $1.8 million construction agreement for a new Jeffersonville Road fire station.

The final agreement with Warner Robins-based International City Builders needs approval from the full commission before construction can begin. The money for the project will come from the special purpose local option sales tax.

County officials had to select a new site for the Jeffersonville station after another east Bibb location proved unable to support a station and equipment.

▪  The contract with a company that manages two Macon airports could be extended another five years.

The County Commission will likely vote July 5 to renew the contract with TBI Airport Management, which has operated the Middle Georgia Regional Airport and Macon Downtown Airport since 2007. The $200,000 yearly contract is about $43,000 more than the current amount paid by Macon-Bibb.

The Operations and Finance Committee sent the measure to full commission following a presentation Tuesday where officials touted savings and upgrades made at the airports. The current agreement with TBI ends Aug. 31.

▪  Two Macon-Bibb County buildings could become solar powered.

A proposal from Cherry Street Capital would provide the county solar canopies outside the Emergency Management Agency bunker off Poplar Street and the new Sheriff’s Office investigative building at 111 Third St. The company would cover costs for the equipment and Macon-Bibb would pay rates no higher than what Georgia Power currently charges, according to Macon-Bibb officials.

The County Commission is expected to vote July 5 on the 20-year contract after it received approval Tuesday from the Operations and Finance Committee.

With no upfront costs, this would provide Macon-Bibb the perfect opportunity to see how well solar energy works to power buildings. Reichert said.

“I think it would send a remarkable message about how progressive we are,” he said.

This story was originally published June 28, 2016 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Macon-Bibb officials approve landmark budget."