Macon-Bibb Commission 2-21-23

The prospect of adding a network of surveillance cameras in downtown Macon drew more debate at Tuesday's Macon-Bibb County commission meeting. Although commissioners shared some reservations they have about the plan, they unanimously passed contracting with Verkada for 10 years for the multi-sensor, dome camera system that can store data in the cloud. Commissioner Elaine Lucas also vowed to fight the Macon Transit Authority's proposed rate hike although CEO Craig Ross explained that the new $1.75 fare includes a transfer that used to cost 50 cents on top of the $1.25 fare, so there is effectively no extra costs for those who use transfers. The authority is lowering the cost of additional transfers to 25 cents and will provide a daylong pass for $4.25. The Commission also made appointments to the transit authority board and Urban Development Authority. Commissioners also approved $290K for Habitat for Humanity to build two new homes in Lynmore Estates, which prompted Lucas to inquire about the organization's structure, salaries and diversity of staff. Here are highlights from the debate presented in tweets sent during the meetings.