Political Notebook: Macon mayor interrupts with 'tongue-in-cheek' comment

With an estimated $30-plus million of stormwater improvements needed in downtown Macon, leaders of Macon-Bibb County were naturally curious about the severity of the problem.

During the presentation, Mayor Robert Reichert politely interrupted Commissioner Elaine Lucas' inquiry into how much it could cost to remedy the ageing infrastructure throughout the county. Lucas' question was directed to Macon Water Authority Executive Director Tony Rojas.

Reichert responded by asking Lucas if he could make a tongue-in-cheek "silly comment," which prompted a laugh and a "no" response from Lucas, who then relented.

"When you ask how bad is it and what's it going to cost," Reichert said, "it's real bad and it's going to cost a lot."

The water authority is seeking support from the commission as it completes a study to gauge the extent of the problem, finds funding options and develops a five year strategic plan.

MACON OFFICIALS TO APPOINT MAYOR PRO-TEM

The Macon-Bibb County Commission is expected to vote Tuesday to reappoint Bert Bivins as mayor pro tem.

Bivins also spent 2015 as the commissioner who would take over the duties of Mayor Robert Reichert for reasons as simple of the mayor being out of town or something more serious such as a prolonged illness or resignation. On Tuesday, Bivins' reappointment should become official as county commissioners vote on the resolution.

MLK HOLIDAY PUSHES BACK WARNER ROBINS MEETING

The city of Warner Robins will have its regular City Council meeting on Tuesday instead of Monday next week so they won't have to meet on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The pre-council meeting begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday followed by the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall at 700 Watson Blvd.

Writers Stanley Dunlap and Laura Corley contributed to this report.

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Political Notebook: Macon mayor interrupts with 'tongue-in-cheek' comment ."