Macon-Bibb gets seven new department heads

The reshaping of Macon-Bibb County government took another step forward Tuesday with the naming of seven department heads, but not without one commissioner saying he was troubled with the process.

In a 7-1 vote, the County Commission approved making seven interim directors the permanent directors of their departments. Macon-Bibb lost many of its department leaders to early retirement buyouts this past summer.

Commissioner Bert Bivins said he voted against the appointments Tuesday because commissioners were not involved in the interview process despite the board having asked to have a role in them.

Only eight of the nine commissioners voted Tuesday. Commissioner Virgil Watkins was not present at the time of the vote.

The directors were recommended by Mayor Robert Reichert after an interview process that included County Manager Dale Walker, Human Resources Director Ben Hubbard and Assistant County Manager Charles Coney.

More trust issues could surface if there isn't more collaboration in similar situations, Bivins said.

"I think long-term that's going to result in distrust and possibly dysfunction," he said during the pre-commission meeting. "Therefore, I won't support things I think can lead to that situation."

The directors appointed Tuesday include: Sonja Adams with the Animal Welfare Department; Spencer Hawkins with the Emergency Management Agency; Reggie Moore with the Recreation Department; Marvin Land with the Public Works Department; Janice Ross as clerk of the commission; Robert Ryals with Facilities Management; and Donnie Self, who would head E-911.

"Their resumes are outstanding, and I think we're very fortunate to have each and every one of them," Commissioner Mallory Jones said.

More than 200 employees accepted the county's early retirement packages, as the government sought to cut at least 93 positions outside of public safety to fit its budget.

SENIOR CENTER PLANS APPROVED

Macon-Bibb County will soon find out how much it will cost to build a new senior citizens center that could open in early 2017.

Commissioners approved Tuesday the master plan for a facility that would be built in Central City Park. Tuesday's vote clears the way for construction documents to be drawn up and companies to bid on the project.

The county currently has $2.7 million set aside for the center. Two people involved with the project said last week the budget would be tight but should work.

"We work all the time to make it work within the budget schedule," said Bruce Morris, project manager with the architectural firm Sizemore Group, during a Nov. 24 committee meeting.

The plans for the 11,000-square-foot building feature rooms for various programs, a warming kitchen and dining room. There also would be an exercise room, multipurpose room and space for arts and crafts. Also to be included are a billiards area, computer center and another room for music and lectures that will have a small library.

The outdoor space would feature a gazebo, garden and two parking lots.

MOTOR TAG RENEWALS

Macon-Bibb residents will have a new place to renew their motor vehicle registration in 2016.

A kiosk will be placed at the Kroger grocery store on Tom Hill Sr. Boulevard after the commission approved a contract Tuesday with vendor Intellectual Technology.

There would be a $3.95 service fee for each renewal, according to the agreement.

"This kiosk has a regional concept. A taxpayer from another county, if their county is a regional partner, can come to our county to renew their registration," he said.

FIRE STATION

The commission approved a proposal to buy land for the new home of Fire Station 3 now located on Forsyth Road. The $105,000 agreement will allow a move county officials have said is needed because the Breezy Hill station is outdated, and there's difficulty with getting the fire trucks in and out of the station.

The money for the station would come from a special purpose local option sales tax. It costs about $2 million to build a fire station, not including equipment.

To contact writer Stanley Dunlap, call 744-4623 or find him on Twitter@stan_telegraph.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 8:18 PM with the headline "Macon-Bibb gets seven new department heads ."