Macon-Bibb Mayor Proposes Fifth Straight Millage Rate Cut

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller has proposed reducing the county’s millage rate for the fifth consecutive year, recommending a new rate of 9.575 — a decrease of 0.325 from last year and 10.756 since he took office.

Despite the cut, the Fiscal Year 2026 budget continues to boost funding for public safety, IT, beautification, recreation, and other priorities. The Macon-Bibb County Commission will vote on the proposal at its August 19, 2025 meeting, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 700 Poplar Street.

“We’ve been able to lower our millage rate by more than 50% since 2021 and increase spending thanks to better budgeting, more focused and strategic spending, and the voter-approved OLOST,” Mayor Miller said. “I’m proud of our Commission and departments for focusing on our community’s highest priorities and budget and finance teams for making sure they have the resources and funding they need.”

The county’s budget has grown from $174 million in 2022 to $219.8 million in 2025 while still including tax reductions. Funding increases since 2022 include more than $28 million for public safety, over $5.3 million for recreation and beautification, more than $4.5 million for economic development, and over $3.4 million for IT.

More details about the FY26 budget are available here.