In August 2021, Mayor Lester Miller and the Commission approved a series of annual incentives for public safety employees, including the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, E-911, Lake Tobesofkee Rangers, and Civil Court Sheriffs. On Friday, January 26, the third incentive was given to all eligible employees, meaning $1,891,000 was given to 439 people.
“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.”
Payment Breakdown
10-14 years of service $270,000 (108 employees, $2,500 each)
15-19 years of service $532,000 (133 employees, $4,000 each)
20+ years of service $1,089,000 (198 employees, $5,500 each)
“Fire Departments nationally have challenges with retention, but we are grateful to the Mayor and Commission for making these incentives possible,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “It’s helping with morale because our firefighters feel more valued, and we know it has helped some make the decision to stay and continue protecting the community they love.”
“This incentive has been a great way to recognize and reward the loyalty that members of our law enforcement family have shown to our community,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, like the entire nation, has seen a decline in people joining law enforcement, which makes the retention of current officers and staff even more vital. This incentive demonstrates the appreciation that our community has for their service and sacrifice, and I believe it has been instrumental in helping us to retain these valued employees.”
“This is just a great thing for the county to do to recognize our Rangers for their years of service; they do an amazing job out here protecting people and an even better job creating a great place for families to visit,” said Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell.
“This is the first year my employee will receive the pay,” said Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins. “I am encouraged that this longevity pay bonus will show that Macon-Bibb County is serious about retaining good staff with valuable institutional knowledge.”
The incentives are paid to public safety employees in their paycheck of the first full pay period each January, and time of service is calculated by the years employed with one of the groups on December 31 of the previous year.
In January 2023, the payout total was $1,861,000, and in January 2022, the payout total was $1,902,500.