Macon-Bibb mayor, commissioner argue about property tax reductions

The Macon-Bibb County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to roll back the millage rate in a move that will lead to less property tax revenue.

Tuesday’s board meeting turned testy as Mayor Lester Miller and Commissioner Stanley Stewart argued about the county’s financial stability as the tax base continues to shift away from property taxes to sales taxes. 

Miller informed the commission Tuesday that the county is projecting collecting $54.7 million in property taxes in 2026, a sizable reduction from the $81 million collected in  2022. 

“We’ve been able to use the taxpayers’ dollars wisely,” Miller said. “By ‘wisely,’ I mean we are targeting certain areas that we need for tourism and things of that nature while providing the services in an increased amounts.” 

Miller touted Bibb County’s reduced property tax collections while surrounding Houston and Monroe counties are raising taxes. 

Commissioner Donice Bryant asked how the county will make up the difference in lost property tax revenue. 

Miller said the county is relying more on taxes collected from the voter-approved special sales taxes. Last year, Macon-Bibb voters overwhelmingly passed a penny-on-the-dollar tax known as Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Another voter-backed sales tax intended to reduce property taxes by 40% was approved in 2021. 

Stewart, who represents the county’s east side, said although he supports the property tax rollback, he is concerned about the county’s increasing reliance on sales tax for revenue. 

“My sincere concern is for the future administrations and commissions,” Stewart said. “To forecast the financial well-being on sales tax and, in particular, sales tax generated from tourists … As we all know, that number will fluctuate.”

Stewart said data recently published by United Way of Central Georgia shows 57% of Macon residents are “living paycheck-to-paycheck, better classified as ‘the working poor’ … We have to find some way to alleviate the stress and strain on them as well.”

Stewart also expressed concerns about lost revenue from demolishing the Macon Coliseum before a new sports arena is built and about last month’s closure of the Riverside Library Branch because the county could not afford to continue leasing the space.

Stewart also proposed that the county consider opting out of the 4% state sales tax on groceries as Gwinnett and Cherokee counties have done. 

Miller disagreed.

“I don’t generally like to go back and forth but I do want to clear up a few things you said,” he said.

“Number one, I can’t envision a time that the Coliseum would be closed and lose revenue before a new arena was built,” Miller said “So, anyone thinking that is entirely incorrect. We would be a fool to lose GHSA and have them go somewhere else.

“I can assure you that this penny sales tax you see is a balanced approach to taxes and you can’t rely on just property taxes either because the more you tax people, the less people you have and it puts the burden on people that have less money than other people,” Miller said.

“This is not any political show for me. This is doing what’s right by our community,” Miller said, adding it’s important to be factual.

Miller cut off Stewart’s microphone, prompting the commissioner to respond tersely. 

“Don’t give me that bull,” Stewart said. 

“Mr. Stewart, you’re not impressing anybody, sir, by violating decorum in here,” Miller said. “If you don’t agree with what we’re doing, vote ‘no’ against it.” 

After the vote, Stewart left the room before the commission went behind closed doors to talk about potential or pending litigation, property acquisition, cybersecurity and personnel matters. 

In other business Tuesday, the commission approved alcohol licenses for the Flying Biscuit Cafe, QuikTrip on Riverside Drive, Vineville Beverage & Cigar and Dos Amigos Food Mart on Emery Highway. 

Commissioners also approved spending $100,000 on a Georgia Department of Transportation study to widen Bass Road. Miller said GDOT will reimburse the county in three to six months and that the study is the initial stage of a project that won’t begin until 2027-28.

Commissioners also voted to reappoint George Thomas Sr. to the Board of Tax Assessors. 

Other items approved by the commission include:

• A $1.9 million contract with Macon-based Professional Paving Services LLC for deep patching and asphalt resurfacing 
• A $7,000 per month contract with Cynthia Adams for attorney services as chief of appeals for the district attorney’s office
• A $94,500 independent contract with Macon-based Ace Entities LLC for the  emergency replacement of a concrete culvert on Hopewell Road to preserve the flow of Lamar Branch, a tributary to Echeconnee Creek
• Spending $99,320 for a one-year contract extension with Southern Behavioral Services for the Employee Assistance Program
• Acceptance of a $365,114 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council with no local match required
• A budget transfer of $64,090 in contingency funds to pay Stafford Builders for additional amenities at Linear Park 
• Appropriating $230,000 in 2018 SPLOST funds for lighting improvements at Carolyn Crayton Park (once Central City Park)
• Abandoning an alleyway and selling it for $1,306 to Crisp Street Church of God in Christ, which plans to expand its church.