In August 2021, Mayor Lester Miller and the Commission approved a series of annual incentives for public safety employees, including the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, E-911, Lake Tobesofkee Rangers, and Civil Court Sheriffs.

On January 23, the fifth incentive was given to all eligible employees, meaning $1,857,000 was given to 438 people. In the five years the incentive has been provided, Macon-Bibb has given an additional $9,340,500 to its longest serving public safety employees.

“Public safety has been and remains a top priority for my administration and the Commission, and one way to improve that is by retaining the people who continue to protect our community,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We are making the investment in them, and we hope this will help attract people to join our team and keep us all safer.”

Incentive Pay Breakdown 2026

10-14 years of service             $312,500 (125 employees, $2,500 each)

15-19 years of service             $472,000 (118 employees, $4,000 each)

20+ years of service            $1,072,500 (195 employees, $5,500 each)

“We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor and Commission for their continued commitment to public safety incentive pay the past five years because it truly demonstrates their support for the men and women who protect this community,” says Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “This investment has strengthened retention, boosted morale, and sent a clear message that our firefighters’ service and sacrifice are truly valued.”

“This incentive has continued to be a great way to recognize and reward the loyalty that members of our law enforcement family have shown to our community,” says Sheriff David Davis. “It demonstrates the unwavering appreciation that our community has for their service and sacrifice.”

The incentives are paid to public safety employees in their paycheck of the first full pay period each January, and time of service is calculated by the years employed with one of the groups on December 31 of the previous year.

Annual Incentive Pay

January 2026 – $1,857,000

January 2025 – $1,829,000

January 2024 – $1,891,000

January 2023 – $1,861,000

January 2022 – $1,902,500