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. In January, the fourth incentive was given to all eligible employees, meaning $1,829,000 was given to 428 people.
“Our public safety team members are extremely essential to our community, and we want them to know how much they mean to us,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “It’s important for us to invest in attracting and retaining the best people and providing them with the best equipment. Public Safety will always be a top priority for us.”
Payment Breakdown
10-14 years of service $280,000 (112 employees, $2,500 each)
15-19 years of service $504,000 (126 employees, $4,000 each)
20+ years of service $1,045,000 (190 employees, $5,500 each)
“We are so grateful the Mayor and Commission have committed to public safety incentive pay for the last 4 years,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “This has really helped with retention and morale through our department. It makes our team feels valued.”
“This incentive has been a great way to recognize and reward the loyalty that members of our law enforcement family have shown to our community,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, like the entire nation, has seen a decline in people joining law enforcement, which makes the retention of current officers and staff even more vital. This incentive demonstrates the appreciation that our community has for their service and sacrifice, and I believe it has been instrumental in helping us to retain these valued employees.”
“This is just a great thing for the county to do to recognize our Rangers for their years of service; they do an amazing job out here protecting people and an even better job creating a great place for families to visit,” said Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell.
”Experience and institutional knowledge are keys to any successful organization. That goes double for Public Safety,” said Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins. “The county’s generous incentive plan to ensure our most valued and experienced public safety employees continue to serve is a major benefit for our community.
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.
In January 2024, the payout total was $1,891,000, in January 2023, the payout total was $1,861,000, and in January 2022, the payout total was $1,902,500. In the four years, the incentive has been provided, Macon-Bibb has invested $7,483500 in its public safety employees.