Proposed Tax Cuts for Seniors and a New Fire Station

The commission detailed a proposal for major property tax exemptions for residents aged 65 and 75, discussed the legislative steps required, and heard a few public concerns about the impact of that proposal. New occupation taxes for short-term accommodations and a land donation for a fire station were also addressed. 19mins

Aging & Senior Services Budget Housing Policy Taxes Transportation & Mobility
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Original Meeting

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025
8212.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Happy Tuesday! We're live for the Pre-Commission Meeting You can read the full agenda here: https://maconbibbcoga.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2159/files/agenda/3133

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Nathaniel Shue
Durham, North Carolina
I am a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who has held several governmental roles, including two on a local level. I also have experience in research, operations, and customer service.
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In This Video
  • Mayor Miller opened the pre-commission meeting, welcomed attendees, and called the meeting to order. The pre-meeting functions largely as a portion of the standard commission meeting, distinguished primarily by procedural differences.
  • Mayor Miller and the Aviation Director discussed a resolution to authorize an agreement for relocating the airfield electrical vault at Middle Georgia Regional Airport, highlighting significant cost reduction efforts.
  • With little fanfare, the Commission signs off on proceeding with a $20,000 change order for counseling and training services funded by a grant, allowing continued contractor hiring through the grant term.
  • Mayor Miller explained the proposal for property tax exemptions for residents aged 65 and 75, detailing the amounts and how these exemptions reduce taxable property values. It would amount to a significant tax reduction on the basis of age alone.
  • Mayor Miller outlined the legislative process required for implementing proposed senior property tax exemptions. After being recommended by the Commission, this proposal would need to be taken up and passed by the Georgia General Assembly. Should the General Assembly approve it, the tax reductions would then be put to the voters of Macon-Bibb for final approval in the form of a ballot measure.
  • Mayor Miller introduced an ordinance to create a new occupation tax classification for tourist accommodations and short-term vacation rentals, including related regulations and penalties.
  • Michael McNeil, from the County Attorney's office, explained the proposed fee structure for tourist accommodations and short-term vacation rentals, detailing the tax amounts based on length of stay. Most short-term stays would be subject to an additional tax of between $1.50 and $3.00 per night.
  • Mayor Miller announced the donation of 4 acres on Thompson Rd. for a fire station and public safety facility, noting the requirement imposed by the donating resident to build a fire station within 10 years.
  • Mr. Clay, the resident donating the land for the fire station, recounted a life-threatening accident decades ago and expressed gratitude to the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department for assisting him. He explained this motivated the donation of land for a new fire station and urging the project be expedited.
  • The meeting concluded with public comment, which related to the proposed tax cuts for seniors. Members of the public were the only voices present opposing the proposal, with one criticizing it for providing tax reductions for wealthy residents at a time when the county was forced to make budget cuts in other areas.
  • An additional resident expressed concerns related to how the senior tax exemptions would affect long-term County budgeting, asking what assumptions were used when crafting them.
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