Macon-Bibb County Distributes $1.8 Million in Public Safety Incentives
Macon-Bibb County has issued $1,829,000 in public safety incentive payments to 428 eligible employees across multiple departments, continuing a program approved by Mayor Lester Miller and the Commission in August 2021. The incentives were distributed in January 2025 to employees in the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, E-911, Lake Tobesofkee Rangers, and Civil Court Sheriffs.
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)
“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.”
Fire Chief Shane Edwards credited the program for boosting retention and morale, while Bibb County Sheriff David Davis emphasized its role in retaining law enforcement officers amid a national decline in recruits. Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell and Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins also highlighted the program’s impact on recognizing and maintaining experienced public safety personnel.
The incentives are paid in the first full pay period of January, with service time calculated as of December 31 of the previous year.
Past Incentive Payouts:
- 2024: $1,891,000
- 2023: $1,861,000
- 2022: $1,902,500
Since its inception, Macon-Bibb County has invested $7,483,500 in public safety incentive payments.
