Landfill closing, new Business Improvement District and bus fare protest

The Macon-Bibb County Commission adjusted the SPLOST timeline as tax collections are running ahead of schedule

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The pending fare hike for the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority dominated public comments at Tuesday night’s County Commission meeting.

Commissioner Elaine Lucas had led the effort that is protesting the increase from $1.25 to $1.75, but the authority is including one transfer in the regular fare. Transfers currently cost 50 cents but will drop to 25 cents under the proposal set to take effect in the coming months.

Paratransit fares will go from $2.50 to $3.50, but Lucas said a petition seeks to block the increase.

Commissioners also approved SPLOST funds for the closure of the Walker Road Landfill and adjusted the timeline due to collections running a head of schedule.

The NewTown Macon Downtown Business Improvement District will be renewed July 1 and will expand beyond its current boundaries and include Plum Street and other new businesses that had previously been outside the boundaries. A majority of business owners agree to spend more in taxes for added services.

The following is a compilation of tweets sent during the meeting that chronicle the items passed and the debate of the issues.