On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved a retirement incentive package as one way which the consolidated government can balance its expenses against revenues and identify ways to provide services more efficiently. Moving into Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016), Macon-Bibb intends to remove the remaining millage rate that was associated with the former city, thus completing a promise of consolidation to create one millage rate for the entire community. This will lead to a reduction in the budget by an estimated eight to ten million dollars.

 There are almost 400 employees eligible for this incentive package, and they will have from May 6 through July 31 to decide whether or not they will take advantage of this offer or not. Those opting to retire can must do so between July 1 and September 30, 2015.

 Eligible employees will be invited to a meeting in Commission Chambers so Human Resources can provide them with their official retirement calculation based on this incentive package and answer any questions. In the meantime, employees can call Human Resources to request an estimate on how much they will make in retirement if they retire in this window or if they wait until after it closes. Our intent is that employees will fully understand the benefits of this incentive and have ample time to make an informed decision.