MACON, Ga. — Macon Mayor Lester Miller is celebrating another year of successes across Bibb County, touting new ventures, like the Atrium Health Amphitheater, in his 2024 State of the Community address.
Miller highlighted public safety initiatives, their Macon Violence Prevention program, tourism dollars and new development. After the speech, county leaders expressed hope and pride as they look toward the future.
"Excited about the growth. Not only about the growth and the possibilities for District 9, but about the amphitheater and the businesses that are already open," District 9 Commissioner Brendalyn Bailey said.
Bailey looks forward to growth in her west Macon district, ushered in with the new amphitheater. Across town, east Macon is next in line for an investment.
"[In] 120 to 180 days, we'll have the final design there. We'll have community engagement first, and you'll see a lot of conversations with those in the neighborhood," Miller said.
Miller was talking about the county's 'East Bank Development' across from the Macon Coliseum. District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas says she's ready.
"People on the east side, very soon, are going to just shout for joy because there will be announcements of pending projects," Lucas said.
That development would include restaurants, places to live and a possible hotel.
In that same vein, Miller says the county brought in $14 million in hotel taxes last year. Gary Wheat with Visit Macon expects that number to grow with the amphitheater and a possible national park announcement for the Ocmulgee Mounds.
"We're seeing growth year-over-year," he said. "That's what it's all about for us, because we get up each day trying to bring those tourism dollars into our community."
With everyone coming to town, Sheriff David Davis hopes Miller's announcement of raises for public safety employees will help put more deputies on the street.
"Police and fire in Warner Robins start their people off in the low $50,000s. Here in Macon, we're still in the upper $40,000s as far as pay. So, hopefully with these pay raises it will bring us closer," Davis said.
After the speech, Miller said the commission hasn't approved that raise yet, but he's planning to ask for a 6% raise for all county employees.