In August 2021, Mayor Lester Miller and the County 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.
Last week, the third incentive was given to all eligible employees which totaled $1,891,000 and was awarded to 439 recipients.
A total of 108 employees with 10-14 years of service received $2,500 each totaling $270,000; 133 employees with 15-19 years of service received $4,000 each totaling $532,000, and 198 with 20 or more years of service received $5,500 each totaling $1,089,000.
Miller said incentives like these are important to attract and retain essential safety team members.
"Our public safety team members are extremely essential to our community and we want them to know how much they mean to us," he said. "It's important for us to invest in attracting and retaining the best people and providing them with the best equipment."
Fire Chief Shane Edwards voiced his gratitude for making the incentives possible.
"Fire departments nationally have challenges with retention, but we are grateful to the mayor and the commission for making these incentives possible," he said. "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."
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis echoed that sentiment, saying the incentives are a great way to recognize and reward the loyalty of employees.
"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," Davis said.
The incentives are paid to public safety employees in their paycheck of the first full pay period each January.
In January 2023, the payout total was $1,861,000 and in January 2022, the incentive payout totaled $1,902,500.
Information on where the money is coming from to pay the bonuses was not immediately available.
Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell said the incentive was a great thing for the county.
"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," he said.
Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins agreed the incentive was a commitment by the county to retain good employees.
"This is the first year my employees will receive the pay," he said. "I am encouraged that this longevity pay bonus will show that Macon - Bibb County is serious about retaining good staff with valuable institutional knowledge."
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