Macon-Bibb consolidation plan proposes nine commissioners

ATLANTA — Bibb County and Macon would be merged into one government, overseen by a nine-member Macon-Bibb County Commission and a mayor, under a state House proposal just published.

The nine commission members and the mayor would be elected in partisan races. The first commissioners and mayor would be elected in November 2013 for initial three-year terms. After that, terms will last four years. The mayor would be limited to two terms, commissioners to three. The salaries are set at $100,000 for the mayor, $15,000 for the commissioners.

The mayor will be the commission’s presiding officer, but would only have the power to vote to break a tie.The commission, if six members agree, will be able to conduct internal investigations.

The mayor will also appoint a county manager, subject to the commission’s approval. The manager must have a degree in public administration or related field and have at least four years’ appropriate experience.

As for debts, Macon’s bonded debts will be paid by a special tax assessment within the borders of today’s city.

If, as planned, the merge would take effect in 2014, its budget would be the sum of Macon’s and Bibb’s separate would-be budgets. Then by 2019, it would have to be 25 percent smaller — though there appears to be no way to enforce the cut in the bill.

The sheriff, elected countywide, would oversee law enforcement.

The 40-page bill is a bipartisan proposal that’s the result of years of negotiations and study among Bibb’s past and present state House delegates.

Because it’s bipartisan and Bibb’s state senators are on board as well, it should easily pass the state Legislature by late March.

Then it’s time to convince even more voters: Both Bibb and Macon voters would be asked to approve the proposal during this summer's primary election.

The merger would include Payne City.

In a statement, state Rep. Nikki Randall said she was proud of the delegation's efforts.

"Although it was a long and tedious process the eight-member delegation felt is necessary not to rush it rather to work diligently to craft a measure that is fair to both city and county residents. Most of the delay was in making sure that the bill was constitutionally sound, therefore there were several drafts. The legislation is a product of hard work, and compromise with a commitment to mutual respect for each other’s beliefs and opinions."

For more on this story, come back later to macon.com or see Tuesday’s Telegraph.

This story was originally published February 27, 2012 at 9:38 AM with the headline "Macon-Bibb consolidation plan proposes nine commissioners."