Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller, Commissioners sworn in at inauguration ceremony

“I’ve told people to sit back, relax, and put your seatbelt on because we’re going to go for a ride these next four years and get a lot of things done."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Hundreds of people gathered inside the Macon City Auditorium on Monday to celebrate Macon-Bibb County’s next four years of leadership.

Mayor Lester Miller was decisively re-elected in May. He called taking the oath of office again a surreal moment.

“It means a lot to me as a hometown boy here from Macon,” Miller said. “To watch our community come together here and grow these last four years has been very exciting.” 

Mayor Miller says he looks forward to voters deciding on the continuation of SPLOST in March, which could help fix county roads. He plans to soon make more announcements regarding the East Bank development project, which the county estimates could attract $350 million in private investment.

Four of the nine commissioners the Mayor will work alongside during the next term are newcomers: Stanley Stewart (District 3), Joseph “Joey” Hulett (District 4), Donice Bryant (District 8) and Brendalyn Bailey (District 9).

County manager Dr. Keith Moffett says they’ve each taken initiative since winning their elections.

“They’ve been coming to the meetings,” Moffett said. “They’ve been already communicating with us. We’ve already got the process working. So, we’re just moving forward.” 

Dr. Moffett says Macon-Bibb County has seen tremendous growth over the last decade plus, especially in the years following the pandemic. He says the main goal for the next four years is to be intentional and strategic in touching every corner of Macon-Bibb County with projects and resource allocation.

“One of the things we love to say is Macon is a 20-year, overnight success,” Moffett said. “With all the new businesses, not just in downtown, but throughout the community, we just know that we’re trying to live up to that motto of being a great place to live, work and play.” 

Also on Mayor Miller’s agenda for 2025, is expansion of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport and deciding the best way to replace the soon to be imploded hotel on First Street downtown. He says the people that make up Macon-Bibb County, can do this and more by working together.

“I’ve told people to sit back, relax, and put your seatbelt on because we’re going to go for a ride these next four years and get a lot of things done,” Miller said. “So, we’re excited about moving forward together.” 

The new terms for the 10 county employees officially begin on January 1 at noon.