Now that voters have approved the Macon-Bibb consolidation, the first step is to form a transitional task force to help with the merger.

"We've got a huge task, but we are up for it," said State Rep. Nikki Randall.

The chair of the Bibb County delegation says now the real work begins.

"It's going to be hours and hours of transitional meetings," said Randall. "We've got to bring in some folks that can help us, some experts that are far more knowledgeable of what we're about to deal with."

Along with recommendations from experts in the field, the legislation says, "Effective Sept. 1, 2012, there is created a transition task force for the purpose of planning and preparing for the assumption of governmental powers..."

"The charter spells out, already appoints, several members of the transition team which includes most of the key players in the city and county- the sheriff the police chief, the chair and several people," said Randall.

Also included: Bibb County Commissioner Elmo Richardson, who serves as chair of the finance committee.

"It's going to be a very complicated, complex process that we'll have to go through," said Richardson. "We'll have to develop ordinances. You got one set of ordinances with Bibb County now and another set of ordinances with the city of Macon."

Members of local law enforcement will join the 15-member task force as well.

Sheriff Jerry Modena said, "As you look at the makeup of of the committee, I think that someone else was realizing that you needed some people that were right there in the midst, people that knew what they were talking about, people that had some good ideas and had been both on the battle lines as well as making budgetary decisions."

The Transition Task Force will develop proposed ordinances and set recommendations for the new government. Then its up to the new county commission whether to accept them.

Randall said she asked each member of the delegation to let her know if they have a nominee for an appointed member.

A total of five people, who the delegation agrees on, will serve as appointed members.

Transition Task Force Members:

1. Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of Bibb County

2. Chairperson of the finance committee of Board of Commissioners

3. Chairperson of the finance committee of Macon City Council

4. Mayor of Macon

5. President of Macon City Council

6. President of Bibb County Chamber of Commerce

7. Macon Police Chief

8. Chairperson of the Bibb County Delegation

9. Vice-chair of the Bibb County Delegation

10. Bibb County Sheriff

11. Five members appointed by members of the General Assembly