February 3, 2023 * Issue 313 | |
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In August 2021, Mayor Lester Miller and the Commission approved a series of annual incentives for public safety employees, including the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, E-911, Lake Tobesofkee Rangers, and Civil Court Sheriffs. On Friday, January 27, the second incentive was given to all eligible employees, meaning $1,861,000 was given to 442 people.
“We wanted to make sure we recognized the year of service our public safety team members have given to our community,” says Mayor Miller. “Public safety is the top priority for our community, so we are investing a great deal in attracting and retaining the best people, and then provided them with the best equipment. "
Payment Breakdown
10-14 years of service $302,500
15-19 years of service $552,000
20+ years of service $1,006,500
“Fire Departments nationally have challenges with retention, but we are grateful to the Mayor and Commission for making these incentives possible,” says Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “It’s helping with morale because our firefighters feel more valued, and we know it has helped some make the decision to stay and continue protecting the community they love.”
“This incentive has been a great way to recognize and reward the loyalty that members of our law enforcement family have shown to our community,” says Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, like the entire nation, has seen a decline in people joining law enforcement, which makes the retention of current officers and staff even more vital. This incentive demonstrates the appreciation that our community has for their service and sacrifice, and I believe it has been instrumental in helping us to retain these valued employees.”
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In August 2021, Mayor Lester Miller and the Commission approved raising the minimum wage for consolidated government employees over two years to make sure everyone made at least $15 an hour.
“Our team is made up of great people, and we need to make sure we find ways to take care of them, from salaries to professional development to recognitions and more,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “We can’t do the work our community needs if we’re not taking care of each other every single day, and I’m proud we were able to find the money to raise our minimum wage.”
The first step in January 2022 meant paying employees $615,243 more each year, and the second year’s increase to $15 an hour and to manage compression issues cost $854,074. That means, in two years, Macon-Bibb raised salaries of employees by $1,469,317.
“This is money well spent…it’s an investment in our community,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “Our crews work in all kinds of weather to provide the services people expect, and they’re always on call when severe weather strikes. This is one way we get to show them we value their work and their dedication.”
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Macon-Bibb kicked off Black History Month with a visit from a very special guest. Mayor Lester Miller and the Friends of Rosa Parks Square welcomed the niece of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, Susan McCauley, at City on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
“It is a huge honor to have Ms. Susan McCauley come all this way to visit our city and Rosa Parks Square,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “Her aunt is a true legend, and we are thrilled to celebrate her birthday and her legacy this week.”
Mayor Miller presented a proclamation to Susan McCauley, declaring February 1 as Rosa Parks Square Day. You can read the full proclamation here. He also gave her a Key to the City for Macon-Bibb.
Rosa Parks would have turned 110 years old on February 4. To celebrate her birthday, the Friends of Rosa Parks Square is holding “Freedom in the Park” on Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. in Rosa Parks Square (701 Poplar Street). There will be live music from Dean Brown and the Dubshak Band, with opener Brent “Matthius” Brooks. There will also be a reenactment that starts at noon. This event is free and open to the public.
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Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) recently announced the return of On The Table. The community-wide week of conversations will be held in-person from March 27-31, 2023, across 21 counties in Central Georgia.
On The Table is an event that brings people of diverse backgrounds together to have meaningful conversations about important topics across central Georgia. These conversations are designed to generate new ideas, inspire bold solutions, cultivate relationships and collaborations, and inspire action to improve communities.
Inspired by The Chicago Community Trust, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation took On The Table nationwide in 2017 with 10 community foundations initially serving as partners to implement the community initiative in their regions. The Community Foundation of Central Georgia partnered with Knight Foundation to implement On The Table in Macon and Milledgeville in 2018, 2019 and virtually in 2020. On The Table will resume this year with technology powered by Knight Foundation and the program and Conversation to Action Grants funded by CFCG.
“On The Table is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring people together to connect and explore what each of us can do to make our community better,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “On The Table is successful because of the great support we receive each year from individuals and organizations who step up to host these important conversations.”
Individuals and organizations across the region are invited to host one or more tables of 8-12 guests, bringing people together over mealtime conversations to gather, share a meal, discuss issues and opportunities, and make connections to support future collaborative action. The topic of each On The Table conversation is selected by the host.
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Commissioners, staff get certified to better help with pension | |
Two of our Commissioners and our Finance Director have recently earned a certification that will allow them to help our retirees better understand their pension plans.
Recently, Finance Director Christy Iuliucci and Commissioners Paul Bronson and Raymond Wilder completed a program and earned a certification for Certified Retirement Plan Fiduciary (CRPF).
The CRPF program provides consistent, regimented, and unbiased training to ensure public retirement system fiduciaries have the knowledge to confidently address the challenges they face.
“Having this certification in my current role provides me with the knowledge and understanding required to better serve our employees who have honorably served this county,” said Commissioner Bronson. “To me it’s an additional level of trust and duty as a steward to Macon- Bibb retirees and employees, and I hold it close to my heart.”
Commissioner Bronson currently serves on the Fire & Police Pension Board, as well as the County Employee Pension Boards. Commissioner Wilder also serves on the Fire & Police Pension Board, plus the Division A Pension Board, which serves the city retirees.
“It’s a privilege for me to serve our retired employees in this capacity and I want to do it in the best way possible,” said Commissioner Wilder. “I’m always looking for new ways to improve my service to them, and this certification allows that.”
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Macon-Bibb accepting grant applications for food assistance programs | |
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Macon-Bibb County has authorized another round of grants for food assistance programs, thanks to federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. Interested programs and organizations can apply for up to $50,000 to help alleviate the food insecurity that families are experiencing.
“As the people in our community work to regain their economic stability, their need for food assistance remains significantly greater than pre-COVID,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Providing additional food assistance will alleviate some of the economic and emotional tolls on those families who remain in need.”
There is a total of $407,744 available in this round of funding. In the first round, nearly 20 organizations received about $500,000 to help feed thousands of people. Read more about that first round here.
The application portal for these grants will open on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. The application portal will close on Thursday, February 16, at 11:59 p.m. If an organization previously submitted an application and did not receive funding, they will not need to submit a new application.
A webinar for the application process will be available on Wednesday, February 8, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada). Please register in advance for this webinar at
https://amplifund.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IknHIPo3R72OWVba1CxONQ.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
If applicant is approved, it must complete the Macon-Bibb County Vendor application to receive payment, contract for services with Macon-Bibb County, and submit required documentation on expenditures.
Congress enacted the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide needed relief to state, local, and Tribal governments to enable them to continue to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts.
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Frank Johnson Recreation Center (2227 Mercer University Drive) is hosting a series called ‘Food Talk’ through the . Every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. through March 16, anyone in Macon-Bibb is welcome to come and learn about eating well on the go, the colors of your food and what they mean, grocery shopping on a budget, and more. A list of classes is below.
“These classes are a great way for people to learn how to budget and prepare healthy meals,” says Center Director Clarence Thomas. “It’s also a perfect example in action of the mission of our Parks and Recreation Department: building healthy communities through people, parks, and programs.”
You must register for the classes, and can do so by clicking here.
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Need a break and some great resources for you and your pet? The Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) can help you out this month! The MMHM Pop-Up Gym is coming to the Bloomfield- Gilead Park (1931 Rocky Creek Rd) on Saturday, February 11.
Activities start, rain or shine, at 10:00 a.m. and go until 1:00 p.m. It’s free and open to people of all ages, and even their furry friends. You can participate in yoga, a drum circle, meditation, and other services. This month, they are focusing on a specific cause to help youth in our community.
“February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, so we are signing cards to send out 10,000 kisses to middle school-aged young people for Valentine’s Day,” said MMHM Coordinator Andrea Cooke. “We will be accepting valentine’s cards and decorating them at this month’s pop up, so please join us as we wrap our arms around our children.”
Resilient Middle Georgia – a nonprofit aimed to build a common language and understanding about adversity, trauma, and ACEs – will join the gym for the first time. There will also be other organizations who will join to provide resources.
Melanated Community Stimulation Project (MCPS) will provide free healthy food options for families to take home, and the People and Pets Project will offer care for you and your pets by providing wellness exams and vaccines. BeU=P.I.E. - a non-profit organization that caters to young girls/young adults between the ages of 10-21 – will also be in attendance to promote uniqueness, purpose, passion, and creativity.
MMHM provides free pop-up gyms every second Saturday of the month, rain or shine, at different locations throughout Macon-Bibb County. Click here to learn more about more free mental health services the organization provides.
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Affordable housing units for Seniors open on Northside Drive |  | |
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 25, Mayor Lester Miller, District One Commissioner Valerie Wynn, and others celebrated the grand opening of a new affordable housing complex for seniors. This continues our mission of using public and grant funds, as well as working with community partners to increase the amount of available affordable housing.
Members of the Macon Housing Authority and its board, residents, Piedmont Construction Group, the Macon Water Authority, and others spoke about the partnership which brought the vision to life in District One. You can watch the ribbon-cutting event here.
Northside Village Senior Apartments features 72 units for people 62 years and older, with rent no higher than $732 per month. People who live there can enjoy a fitness room, community and wellness spaces, a community garden program, and onsite wellness checks from First Choice Primary Care and Atrium Health. The property is a $15.5 million investment in Macon-Bibb, and 100% of the units are already rented, with dozens of people on a waiting list - representing the need for places like this in our community.
“I think this is a great addition to North Macon and Northside Drive for you - our “golden citizens.” I say that because I’m one, too!” said Commissioner Wynn. “It’s a beautiful facility with access to the grocery store, a nice sidewalk, and everything you need - all within walking distance. We have to look after our seniors, and this is a great way to do that.”
“It’s good to see collaboration between public and private entities working together to provide housing and services to our residents,” said Macon Housing Authority Commissioner Jeff Battcher. “Macon is an excellent place to work, play, and eat, and in this case, retire. Increasing the housing supply here in Macon will continue to be a priority of the Macon Housing Authority.”
This senior living space is the latest in several projects and efforts to increase affordable housing spaces for people in our community. These efforts include $7.5 million in funding approved by commissioners to be matched with private funds for a $15 million revolving loan fund, American Rescue Plan (ARP) money matched with a grant from the Knight Foundation for $3.2 million to increase rental units, and ARP funds matched by the Peyton Anderson Foundation for $1 million to Habitat for Humanity to build 14 new homes and start their own revolving fund.
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From Bike Walk Macon: Open Streets Macon will return earlier than usual this year. Bike Walk Macon is bringing the popular community initiative that takes place each fall to a new neighborhood this spring in partnership with the Macon-Bibb County District 2 Community Family. Maconites will be treated to four blocks of car-free streets to celebrate Houston Ave. from Villa Crest Ave. to Lynmore Ave. on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Open Streets Macon is designed to give people the opportunity to experience vibrant, people-oriented streets while encouraging engagement with the immediate neighborhood communities located on and around the route. By temporarily closing the street to motorized vehicles, people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can get together to re-imagine how we use our public spaces. Citizens are encouraged to enjoy Macon’s streets by bringing their bicycles, strollers, skateboards, hula-hoops, and pets, and enjoying a variety of art, music, and wellness activities along the entire car-free route.
This 2023 route has been selected with input and support from District 2 Commissioner, Paul Bronson, and the need to focus on areas within our community that have often been overlooked. “Houston Avenue is a major artery in the blood flow of this city and should be intentionally cared for, and this is one of the many steps to show that we do. Having the opportunity to see and volunteer with Bike Walk Macon’s Open Streets initiative opened my eyes to a different approach to teaching and shifting the minds of our community when it comes to pedestrian and bike safety. I believe that this event will do the same for our children, families, and business owners in the area while opening the door of discussion for future projects,” says Commissioner Bronson.
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MTA Board votes to raise bus fares for first time in 15 years | |
From Macon Transit Authority (MTA) - On Tuesday, January 31 at the regularly scheduled monthly MTA board meeting, CEO Craig Ross introduced a proposal to raise bus fares in Macon. The board approved the measure in a 5-0 vote. One board member was absent. Bus fares in Macon have not increased since 2008.
According to Ross, the fixed route bus fare will increase by $.50, from $1.25 to $1.75. Paratransit fare will increase $1.00, from $2.50 to $3.50. The newly proposed rate of $1.75 includes one (1) free transfer, eliminating the current transfer fee of $.50. However, if a passenger requires a second transfer, the cost will be $.25.
With the approval of the MTA board, notice of the measure must appear in The (Macon) Telegraph for 15 days to request a hearing for public comment. If no one requests a hearing, the rate hike will go into effect at some point after that. If a hearing is requested, MTA will schedule a hearing within 30 days and will run a second notification of the public hearing at least five (5) days prior to the hearing date.
According to MTA CEO Craig Ross: “The cost of everything in transportation has measurably increased, from fuel, parts, and supplies to operations. This fare increase is necessary for MTA to remain fiscally responsible. We intended to raise bus fares in 2020 after holding the line for 12 years, but with COVID and the pandemic, we waited an additional three years to initiate a fare hike. MTA continues to offer rides FREE at all times for children 12 and under, and we offer a variety of rider discounts, including senior and student fares, and multiple ride packages.”
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Downtown Diversity Initiative graduate opens MANicured Men's Spa in Downtown Macon | |
From NewTown Macon- MANicured Men’s Spa will open its doors to the public on Saturday, February 4 with a ribbon cutting and celebration at 12pm. The men’s grooming spa will offer manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and shoe shines at 486 Poplar Street.
MANicured owner, Geleesa Denton, was one of thirteen entrepreneurs who participated in and graduated from the Downtown Diversity Initiative. The entrepreneurial training program is hosted annually by NewTown Macon and the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages as a way to increase the number of Black-owned businesses in downtown Macon. At the end of the training program, participants pitched their business concepts and the five graduates with the highest scores won $5,000 to help start or expand their current businesses. Denton placed in the top five and has been working for the past several months to secure a downtown storefront and open her winning concept of a men’s only grooming space.
“Geleesa’s pitch during the Downtown Diversity Initiative was very thorough,” said Ricardo Cordew, Business Consultant at NewTown Macon. “She communicated proof of concept and accurate financial projections. She convinced the judges that downtown Macon is ready for a men’s only spa and now her dream is a reality.”
The men’s grooming market is steadily growing as more men become conscious of personal wellness and appearance, a trend that is being influenced by social media. According to Custom Market Insights, the male grooming market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 6% by 2030. MANicured will help meet this growing demand for a men-centered spa experience.
“NewTown Macon is committed to investing in local entrepreneurs through training, coaching, and financing tools,” said Lauren Mauldin, Vice President for Community Development. “The opening of MANicured will deliver a totally new experience and type of business to the downtown market –an upscale men’s grooming spa that offers progressive gentlemen a haven to relax and experience the art of grooming and spa services in an atmosphere that is both masculine and therapeutic.”
"I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said MANicured owner, Geleesa Denton. “With a unique selection of spa services, including gold-infused pedicures, MANicured hopes to offer men a spa experience they’ve never had and one they won’t forget!"
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Cervical cancer is a disease that strikes more than 13,000 American women each year. Atrium Health Navicent wants the community to become educated on this disease to prevent deaths in our community.
Mayor Lester Miller presented a proclamation to the hospital to declare January 2023 as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Macon-Bibb County.
The aim of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is to inform Americans that they may be able to prevent cervical cancer by advocating for early intervention through screenings and HPV vaccinations. You can read the full proclamation here.
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Mayor Lester Miller and Atrium Health Navicent want to bring awareness to Birth Defects in our community. To do so, Mayor Miller presented a proclamation to the hospital, marking January 2023 as Birth Defects Awareness Month in Macon-Bibb County.
Birth defects are a leading cause of death in the first year of life, associated with 20% of infant deaths nationwide. In Georgia, 3940 babies are born with birth defects each year and 1 in 6 infant deaths in Georgia is due to birth defects.
The aim of Birth Defects Awareness Month is to inform Americans that awareness of birth defects helps families get the information they need to seek proper care before, during, and after pregnancy. Click here to read the full proclamation.
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The Hub is Macon-Bibb County's source of information for employees, residents, businesses, and partners. With this regular e-blast, the Office of Communications provides a consistent flow of information about the efforts and successes of the consolidated government and partners to strengthen Macon-Bibb as the Hub City of Middle Georgia.
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and to give them the chance to provide feedback, ask questions,
and request services.
The Office has earned multiple
recognitions for its efforts.
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Macon-Bibb County is the fourth largest city in Georgia. Created on January 1, 2014 after being approved by the voters, it is Georgia's newest consolidated government and serves about 155,000 residents and thousands more visitors.
Its governing body consists of 10 Commissioners, with the Mayor serving as its Chair and the Chief Executive Office of the administration.
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