Each week, 13WMAZ is taking a closer look at the upcoming referendum on consolidating Macon and Bibb County. Right now the city of Macon has a mayor and a 15-member city council. Bibb County has a 5-member commission with a chairman. That a total of 21 elected officials between the two.
If consolidation if approved July 31st. The new government would consist of a mayor and a 15 member city council. The mayor would preside over the commission and would propose ordinances just as commissioners do but would not have a vote unless a there's a tie. The mayor would be elected by voters in nine districts designated by law. The election for those positions would be November 5, 2013 after the usual primaries. The new leadership would go in effect on January 14, 2013.
Section 37 of the consolidation law provides for a transistional task force. Members would plan and prepare for the merger of city and county governments. Members are current city and county leaders. The taks force would make recommendations and develop ordinances to be considered by the commission. The commission would decide when to disband the task force.
90 days after the new leaders take office, all former department head positions of the city and county would be abolished. People in those positions would have to re-apply.