The Commission began the second term of the consolidated Macon-Bibb County government as it started the first: with a Strategic Planning Retreat to set the priorities and goals and to begin discussing upcoming budgets.

Commissioners met for two days at the UGA Center for Continuing Education and Hotel and held discussions on a variety of topics, all facilitated by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG). This proved to be very helpful since the CVIOG was instrumental in helping the Transition Task Force build the foundation of the consolidated government and facilitated the first strategic planning process in 2014. (That process led to our first Forward Together Strategic Plan, which has won two national awards.)

The first day was a review of the consolidated government’s first three years, including an update on projects in the first strategic plan, the current SPLOST, and successes, challenges, and lessons learned. The SPLOST discussion included an estimate on how much money we expect to collect in its remaining time and a prioritization of which projects will receive funding. Though no official action could be taken, there was a general consensus to use remaining funds to finish the projects currently underway (like the recreation center construction and upgrades).

The second day began identifying the projects the Commission would like accomplished in the next four years, prioritizing the projects to be funded in the next SPLOST, and the start of FY18 budget discussions. With the help of survey technology, Commissioners were able to develop a priority list of projects to be funded by the next SPLOST and to take out $35 million in bonds to jumpstart that work. To see the list, click here. (The lower the number, the higher the priority.)

Commissioners also had their first discussion about the Fiscal Year 2018 budget (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018). They were provided a history of revenues and expenditures, as well as how the fund balance has declined. To view that presentation, click here.