The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved Mayor Lester Miller’s $204 million budget that includes at least a five mill rollback in the millage rate.

During the June 20 commission meetings, Miller said he expects the county tax digest – which is the combined value of all taxable property – to reap about $5 million more in tax revenue for the FY24 budget compared to last year. The mayor said he plans to roll back the millage rate further to compensate for any revenue windfall instead of holding public hearings and putting that money in the county treasury.

During the Thursday evening meetings, including the Pre-Commission Committee of the Whole and a public hearing on the abandonment of the right-of-way on an undeveloped portion of Bonita Place, commissioners also dispersed Community Development Block Grants and revamped policies and procedures for employee grievances, and revised the handbook.

A committee has been reviewing county policies and recommended making it easier to fire problematic workers, and suggested streamlining the process for appeals of disciplinary action and termination.

Senior Assistant County Attorney Michael McNeill said a positive drug test for marijuana and other substances will no longer result in mandatory termination, but could be grounds for termination.

The Commission approved all the changes that also made provisions for new state and federal laws, and new requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. For instance, lactation breaks will be provided for employees who are breastfeeding their children.

For a summation of actions taken during the meetings, here are highlights presented in tweets about the agenda items and debate:

– Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.

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