MACON, Ga. — Saving money is on the agenda Tuesday when Macon-Bibb commissioners gather for their first September meeting.
From approving the new millage rate to getting some money back from a June land purchase, here are some of the big things to watch.
New millage rate
Highlighting commissioners' slate is a vote whether to approve the proposed millage rate Mayor Lester Miller calls a "historic low." He's proposing a rate of 9.9, down from about 10.7 last year. Generally, a millage rate rollback means a reduction in property taxes as long as property values stay the same.
The new rate means the owner of a $100,000 home would pay about $10 less in taxes this year; however, a proposed increase in the school district's millage rate — completely separate from the county's — might leave taxpayers on the hook for another $22.
The county says despite lowering their rate, they're still able to cover pay raises for all county employees. They note the public safety budget has increased by $16 million since Miller took office while reducing the millage rate every year. That's partially thanks to the Other Local Option Sales Tax (OLOST) voters approved in 2021.
Property purchase
County commissioners voted in early June to purchase several pieces of property around Lower Poplar Street, just outside downtown Macon. When it first came up, Miller said it was a likely location for a new law enforcement center.
"We don't have to have people step up and say, 'Not in my backyard,'" Miller explained at the time. "So, acquiring 30 acres of land in an area that's not going to be obstructed to residents, I think is important, and is a safe environment we believe as well."
Tuesday, county commissioners will discuss the issue again to get a better price on one piece of land. According to the upcoming meeting agenda, the county first agreed to buy that parcel for $350,000; but in due diligence, they found the seller had less land to offer.
This week, commissioners are set to look at a lower price: $240,000.
Parks and recreation center updates
There's more on commissioners' plates Tuesday. They'll also consider hiring architects for updates to two parks and a recreation center.
Miller is asking commissioners to spend $286,286 in SPLOST money to hire WM2A Architects for improvements at Memorial Park, Frank Johnson Recreation Center and Fillmore Thomas Park. The mayor says the planned updates include new courts, fields and playground equipment at each site.
According to the agenda, WM2A will offer architectural drawings, construction administration, a site survey and other work.
The architectural firm expects construction to cost around $7.4 million.