Macon-Bibb Commission 1/16/24

Macon-Bibb County dispersed $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds Tuesday evening, and made plans to buy the old high-rise Hilton Hotel on First Street in downtown and the former Macon Charter Academy/Progressive Christian Academy property on Madison Street in Pleasant Hill. Mayor Lester Miller intends to demolish the blighted hotel for future development and raze the charter school to make way for affordable housing, a gym and co-op facility for the neighbors. The most controversial item involved replacing former District 9 Commissioner Al Tillman with his former opponent Brendalynn Bailey. Three commissioners voted against her appointment because they felt it was unfair to others who already announced interest in running this year. Tillman and Elaine Lucas, Virgil Watkins and Mallory Jones are term limited and cannot seek re-election. If Tillman had resigned before Dec. 31, a special election would have to be called. Although Lucas suggested amending the appointment to prohibit Bailey from having the incumbent advantage to run for District 9's next term, Interim County Attorney Duke Groover said the Commission cannot override the county charter which sets qualifications for appointments. Here are highlights from Tuesday's agenda that were captured in social media posts during the meeting.