Macon-Bibb County moves forward with jail expansion, adding beds and upgrades

Phase I funded by SPLOST will include demolition and parking upgrades

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved $1,244,030 for Phase I of a jail expansion project.

The funding will come from voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds from 2018 and 2025.

Phase I includes demolishing the James F. Higgins Memorial Complex and replacing it with an updated parking lot.

Later phases will focus on upgrades to the existing jail and the addition of new maximum-security housing pods.

Once complete, the expansion is expected to add up to 150 beds, including 96 maximum-security beds and 24 beds designed for inmates experiencing mental health challenges.

Macon-Bibb County mayor Lester Miller said the project is focused on improving safety and addressing system needs.

“This is about making sure we have the facilities and resources to keep our community safe while also addressing the needs within our system,” Miller said. “We’re taking a thoughtful, phased approach so we can make improvements that will serve Macon-Bibb for years to come.”

The full project is estimated to cost between $28.5 million and $31 million and is aimed at improving safety, capacity, and overall operations.

Previous stories:

Bibb County jail expansion could add 150 beds by 2027

Macon-Bibb Commission approves plans for multimillion-dollar jail expansion

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Bibb County Sheriff outlines jail expansion timeline, leadership shift in 2026