Several Macon-Bibb programs still fighting for more funding

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Program officials in Macon-Bibb aren’t giving up hope to get more funding back into their budgets. 

Commissioners are proposing thousands of dollars in cuts to different services. 

“I still want to feel like I’m a part of the community,” Yvonne Harvey, a resident who uses Macon-Bibb’s para-transit service, said. 

She lost most of her sight 12 years ago. 

Ever since then she’s used the service. 

Harvey along with other residents with disabilities met on Friday to write and email commissioners to make one final push for funding.

The service stands to lost more than $100,000 in cuts, and for Harvey that means she’ll be forced to make some changes. 

“I would be at home, and have just a wasted life. I use them because that’s the best alternative for me,” Harvey said. 

Right around the corner, doctors and other medical professionals from the Medical Center of Central Georgia walked into the government center one by one. 

They handed in letters, hoping commissioners don’t cut indigent services from the hospital. 

“What we’ve seen throughout this entire budget process is there’s a level of support for all of our external agencies, and people do want these things funded because there’s a large community impact,” Chris Floore with Macon-Bibb said. 

He added commissioners realize cutting funds from different programs is a difficult task. 

“I’ll make sure that these files from the medical center are placed before the commission before they  arrive for their vote,” Floore said. 

It’s especially hard for Andrew Galloway. He supports the funding for the hospital and making people the priority. 

“This issue and this problem is not about line items. It’s about real people with real human needs, many of whom deserve access to high quality health services,” Galloway said.