Mayor Reichert and Chairman Hart in Favor of Consolidation

Macon Mayor Robert Reichert and Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart were in the hot seat Monday, as they discussed joining the two governments.

The pair were guests of honor at an Annual Rotary Club luncheon to discuss the future of the City and County. Mayor Reichert discussed transportation. He feels bringing high speed rail is a good option for Macon’s economy. He is also looking to bring more attention to the Middle Georgia Regional Airport.

Commission Chairman Sam Hart focused on discussing the financial status of the County. He also mentioned upgrading Lake Tobesofkee, but the topic on every body’s mind was consolidation. Recently, State Representative Allen Peake introduced a bill that would force the City and County to merge.

Several Rotary Club members asked about the consolidation. Mayor Reichert and Chairman Hart said they support creating an efficient government. “We need to get our act together. We need to be singing from the same sheet of music,” said Mayor Reichert.

Chairman Hart also said, “Consolidation is still an issue, boy I’m in favor of consolidation. The concept of consolidation would help us make us a bigger community.”

A larger community that they believe would better serve its residents, but Hart doesn’t want consolidation to come at a price.

“What I don’t want to do is, we look at consolidation, which I hope happens, I don’t want to kick the other issues down the road,” said Hart.

While both Mayor Reichert and Chairman Hart support consolidating the City and County, they did not address how law enforcement or other separate services would change.