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 Friday, January 27, the second incentive was given to all eligible employees, meaning $1,861,000 was given to 442 people. 

“We wanted to make sure we recognized the year of service our public safety team members have given to our community,” says Mayor Miller. “Public safety is the top priority for our community, so we are investing a great deal in attracting and retaining the best people, and then provided them with the best equipment.  

Payment Breakdown 

10-14 years of service             $302,500 

15-19 years of service             $552,000 

20+ years of service            $1,006,500 

“Fire Departments nationally have challenges with retention, but we are grateful to the Mayor and Commission for making these incentives possible,” says Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “It’s helping with morale because our firefighters feel more valued, and we know it has helped some make the decision to stay and continue protecting the community they love.”  

“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,” says 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,” says Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell.  

Each January beginning in 2022, employees with 10 or more years of experience will receive the following amounts in their paychecks. These payments will also improve employees’ retirement since those payments are based on the three highest years of pay. 

Annual Incentive Payments 

10-14 years $2,500 

15-19 years $4,000 

20+ years $5,500 

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.