ARTICLE I
UNIFICATION, CREATION, BOUNDARIES, STATUS, AND
POWERS OF UNIFIED GOVERNMENT

SECTION 1‑101.

 Unification of County and City; Creation of Unified Government; Name. (a)  The governmental and corporate powers, duties, and functions now vested in the governing authority of the City of Macon, a municipal corporation created by an Act of the General Assembly of Georgia, approved March 23, 1977 (Ga. L. 1977, p. 3776), as amended, are hereby unified with the governmental and corporate powers, duties, and functions of Bibb County.  This unification shall result in the creation and establishment of a single county‑wide government with powers and jurisdiction throughout the territorial limits of Bibb County, which single government shall supersede and replace the governments of the City of Macon and Bibb County.  Said county‑wide government shall be a new political entity, a body politic and corporate, and a political subdivision of the state, to be known as "Macon-Bibb, Georgia," having all the governmental and corporate powers, duties, and functions heretofore held by and vested in the City of Macon and Bibb County, and also the powers, duties, and functions provided in this charter.  Such unified government shall not include the municipal corporation of Payne City, Georgia, which shall retain its charter and maintain the same legal relationship with the unified government as it had with Bibb County prior to the effective date of this charter, except as otherwise provided in this charter.  The unified government shall be a public corporation; shall have perpetual existence; shall adopt a common seal; shall, without the necessity or formality of a deed, bill of sale, or other instrument of transfer, own, possess, and hold all the properties of whatsoever kind or nature, assets, contracts, franchises, things, rights, privileges, immunities, and real and personal property theretofore owned, possessed, enjoyed, or held by the City of Macon or Bibb County; and by the name of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be capable of suing and being sued when authorized by this charter and by the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia.  From and after the effective date of this charter, the political subdivision known as Bibb County, Georgia, and the municipal corporation known as the City of Macon, Georgia, shall be unified into the said new political entity created in this charter.

(b) Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall encourage the meaningful involvement in its operations of all citizens of Macon-Bibb, particularly those who are members of minority or other traditionally disadvantaged groups, as appointees, employees, and independent contractors.  No individual shall be denied any opportunity on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or national origin.

(c) The unification of the governments of the City of Macon and Bibb County is authorized pursuant to the provisions of Article IX, Section III, Paragraph II(a) of the Constitution of Georgia of 1983, as amended.

SECTION 1‑102.

Boundaries. Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall embrace the total area included within the existing territorial limits of Bibb County as such limits are fixed and established on the effective date of this charter, except for those areas within the boundaries of Payne City.  However, such limits may be altered and changed from time to time as provided by the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia pertaining to counties.  That portion of the City of Macon which lies in Jones County will not be included in the area of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, but will remain a part of Jones County. 

SECTION 1‑103.

Status as Municipal Corporation and County. Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall be deemed to be both a municipal corporation and a county throughout the total territory of said government. It is the express intention of this section to declare as a city and as a part of the unified government all of the area of Bibb County, except for those areas within the boundaries of Payne City. 

SECTION 1‑104.

Powers. (a)  Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall have all powers of self‑government authorized by the Constitution and not otherwise prohibited by the laws of Georgia.

(b) In addition to the foregoing, the unified government shall have and be vested with, to the same extent as if herein repeated, all rights, powers, duties, privileges, and authority that the Mayor and Council of the City of Macon or the Commission of Bibb County, or both, have under the Constitution and general and local laws of the State of Georgia at the time of adoption of this charter, except as herein expressly modified. This authority shall include but shall not be limited to the authority to adopt home rule ordinances and resolutions as provided in Article IX, Section II of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.

(c) In addition to the foregoing, the unified government shall have all rights, powers, duties, privileges, and authority herein conferred or herein enlarged, and such other rights, powers, duties, privileges, and authority as may be necessary and proper for carrying the same into execution, and also all rights, powers, duties, privileges, and authority, whether express or implied, that may be now vested in or hereafter granted to counties or municipal corporations, or both, by the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia, including the powers vested in the unified government by this charter.

(d) The unified government, in addition to the rights, duties, powers, privileges, and authority expressly conferred upon it by this charter, shall have the right, duty, power, privilege, and authority to exercise and enjoy all other powers, duties, functions, rights, privileges, and immunities necessary and proper to promote or protect the safety, health, peace, security, and general welfare of said government and its inhabitants and to exercise all implied powers necessary to carry into execution all powers granted in this charter as fully and completely as if such powers were fully enumerated herein and to do and perform all of the acts pertaining to its property, affairs, and local government which are necessary or proper in the legitimate exercise of its corporate powers and governmental duties and functions.

(e) No enumeration of any right, power, privilege, or authority hereinafter made shall be construed as limiting or abolishing any right, power, privilege or authority hereinabove set forth.

(f) In addition to and supplementary to all other powers which it may possess, and by way of illustration and not of limitation, the unified government shall have the powers specifically enumerated in Section 8‑114 of this charter.

SECTION 1‑105.

Taxing Districts. (a) The unified government shall divide the county into two or more taxing districts (herein called "services districts"); provided, however, at least one of such districts shall be known as the general services district.  The general services district shall embrace the total geographic area of Bibb County and shall include the area of Payne City wherein all services provided in the general services area of Macon-Bibb shall be made available to the citizens of Payne City at the same rate such services are provided all citizens of the general services area pursuant to a contract executed between the governments of Payne City and Macon-Bibb for the amount of $1.00 for a period not to exceed 50 years, as provided in Article IX, Section III, Paragraph I of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.  In addition, the Board of Commissioners shall establish at least one or more urban services districts which shall embrace such territory or territories for which provision is made by the Board for additional or higher levels of services than are provided uniformly throughout the territory of the unified government.

(b) Taxes shall be assessed, levied, and collected in accordance with the kind, character, type, degree, and level of services provided by the government within said service districts, and the rate and manner of taxation may vary in any one district from that in another or other districts.

(c) The unified government may also establish special services districts which shall embrace such territory or territories for which provision is made by the Board for additional or higher levels of services provided by the unified government.

(d) In the establishment of the first urban services district or districts, the Board shall hold one or more public hearings thereon at which all interested persons affected thereby shall have an opportunity to be heard.  Notice of the time, place, and date of such hearings shall be published in the official legal organ of Macon-Bibb at least once a week during the two weeks immediately preceding the date of hearing.

(e) In the establishment of special services districts, the Board shall hold one or more public hearings thereon at which all interested persons affected thereby shall have an opportunity to be heard.  Notice of the time, place, and date of such hearings shall be published in the official legal organ of Macon-Bibb at least once a week during the two weeks immediately preceding the date of hearing.

(f) The unified government is hereby empowered to exercise and provide within the general services district and within any urban and special services district established by this charter or by ordinance of the Board those powers, functions, and services which have theretofore been exercised and provided by Bibb County or the City of Macon, or both; all powers, functions, and services authorized by this charter and any amendments thereto; and all powers, functions, and services which counties or municipal corporations, or both, are now or are hereafter authorized to exercise under the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia.

(g) The unified government shall perform within the general services district those governmental duties, functions, and services which are generally available and accessible to all residents throughout the total area of said government.

(h) The unified government shall perform within its urban services districts those additional, more comprehensive and intensive, and higher levels of governmental duties, functions, and services which benefit primarily the residents of such urban services districts.

(i) The unified government shall perform within its special services districts those additionally selected, more comprehensive, intensive, and higher levels of governmental duties, functions, and services which benefit primarily the residents of such special services districts.

(j) Except as otherwise provided by this charter, urban and special services districts of the unified government shall be created, expanded, merged, consolidated, or reduced only by an ordinance duly adopted by the Board under such general rules, procedures, regulations, requirements, and specifications as established by the Board; provided, however, no new urban or special service district shall be created or existing urban or special services district expanded, abolished, merged, consolidated, or reduced without providing an opportunity for interested persons to be heard by publishing a notice of a public hearing on the proposed expansion, consolidation, reduction, or creation of an urban or special services district in the official legal organ of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, at least once a week during the two weeks immediately preceding the date of hearing.  Such rules and regulations shall set forth the manner and method for the creation of new urban and special services districts; the expansion, consolidation, reduction, or merger of existing urban or special services districts; requirements for defining functions and policies for rendering services; changes in levels of services within existing services districts; the transfer of territory from one services district to another; requirements for defining boundaries of services districts; procedures for the expansion, reduction, or consolidation of existing services districts; and requirements for defining boundaries of services districts.

(k) The unified government is empowered to create new services and eliminate existing services by the same procedures and methods stated above.

(l)  Citizens of any area in the county may request additional services by petitioning the unified government according to the rules, procedures, and guidelines established by the unified government.  The unified government will hold public hearings as outlined in the services district modification procedure stated above and will consider all comments received prior to reaching a final decision.

SECTION 1‑106.

Construction. The powers of the unified government shall be construed liberally in favor of the unified government.  The specific mention or failure to mention particular powers in this charter shall not be construed as limiting in any way the general powers of the unified government as provided in this article.  It is the intention hereof to grant to the unified government full power and right to exercise all governmental authority authorized by the Constitution and laws of Georgia which is necessary for the effective operation and conduct of the unified government within its territory and for the conduct of all of its affairs. 

ARTICLE II
LEGISLATIVE ARTICLE
CHAPTER 1 ‑ The Board of Commissioners

SECTION 2‑101.

Name and Composition. There is hereby created the “Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia," (hereinafter “Board”).  Membership on the Board is a part‑time position.  The Board shall consist of nine members elected from districts as provided in Section 6‑201 of this charter.

SECTION 2‑102.

Term of Office; Qualifications; Disqualifications. (a) The term of office of all members of the Board of Commissioners shall be four years with members serving staggered terms and until their successors are elected and qualified, except that a Commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the balance of the unexpired term as provided in section 2-106 of this charter.  Initially,  five members will serve two year terms and four members will serve four year terms to provide for staggered terms.  Thereafter, all members shall be elected for four year terms.  All terms of office following the initial terms shall commence at the first regular meeting in January next following the election.

(b) No person shall be eligible for election or appointment to the Board unless such person, on or before the date of election or appointment, shall have attained the age of 21 years, shall be a qualified voter of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and shall have resided within the county for one year and within the territorial limits of the district from which elected on the date of qualifying for election.  A member of the Board shall continue to reside within the district from which elected during such member's term of office.

(c) No member of the Board, during that member's term of office, shall hold any other federal, state, or local government elective office.

(d) Any Commissioner who has been elected for three full consecutive four‑year terms of office under the provisions of this charter shall not be eligible to be elected for the succeeding term.

SECTION 2‑103.

Salary and Expenses. (a) The salary of each Commissioner shall be $12,000 per year, payable in equal monthly installments.

(b) In addition to the salary, Commissioners shall be reimbursed for all direct expenses incurred in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the unified government.

(c) The salary and expenses of members of the Board may be changed by ordinance, subject to the following conditions:

(1) No action to increase the salary or expenses of Commissioners shall be taken until notice of intent to take the action has been published in the official legal organ of Macon-Bibb at least once a week for three successive weeks immediately preceding the week during which the action is taken.

(2) Any action to increase the salary of Commissioners shall not become effective until the date of commencement of the terms of those Commissioners elected at the next regular election following such action.

(3) No action to increase the salary of Commissioners shall be taken during the period between the date when candidates for election to the Board may first qualify as candidates and the date when members of the Board take office following their election.

SECTION 2‑104.

Organization; Oath; Rules; Quorum; Meetings; Records; Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. (a) The Board  shall meet for organization and swearing‑in purposes at their first regular meeting.  At this meeting, the newly elected or reelected Commissioners shall each take the following oath of office, to be administered by the judge of the probate court:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will well and truly perform the duties of Commissioner of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and that I will support and defend the charter thereof, as well as the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia and of the United States of America, so help me God."

(b) The Board, by majority vote, shall adopt rules of procedure governing the transaction of its business consistent with the provisions of this charter, shall adopt by ordinance the time, date, and place for regular meetings, which will be held at least twice monthly, and shall provide for keeping minutes of its proceedings by the Chief Operating Officer as provided in Section 4‑102 of this charter.

(c) At its first organization meeting, the Board shall select the dates for when it will hold its regular twice monthly-meetings.

(d) Six of the nine members of the Board  shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; however, a smaller number may adjourn from time to time.  

(e) Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Mayor or by any five Commissioners upon no less than 24 hours' written notice to each member served personally or left at the usual place of business or residence of such member.  Such notice of a special meeting may be waived in writing either before or after the meeting.  Subject to subsection (d) of Code Section 50‑14‑1 of the O.C.G.A., special meetings may be held at any time without notice to all Commissioners, upon attendance at such meeting by all members of the Board, or by waiver of notice of those not in attendance.

(f) All meetings of the Board, except for those exceptions provided for in general law, shall be public and any citizen shall have access to the minutes and records thereof at reasonable times.

(g) At its first meeting in January of each year, a Chairman of the Board shall be elected by and from the membership of the Board of Commissioners to serve for a term of one year.  Such an election shall take place at the first regular meeting of the Board each year and whenever necessary to fill a vacancy in the office.  A Commissioner elected to fill a vacancy shall only serve as such until an election for a new Chairman of the Board is held the following year.

(h) The Chairman of the Board shall preside over meetings.  In the event that the Mayor is temporarily absent or otherwise unable to perform the duties of office the Chairman of the Board shall discharge the duties of Mayor until either the return of the Mayor or the election of a new Mayor.  While serving as the Mayor, the Chairman of the Board shall have the same powers as a Mayor and not those of a Commissioner.

SECTION 2‑105.

Powers. (a) All legislative powers of the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, including any such powers which may hereafter be conferred by law upon said government, shall be vested exclusively in and exercised by the Board in accordance with the provisions of this charter.

(b) In addition to its legislative powers, the Board shall specifically have the power to:

(1) Approve,   reject, or amend the budget;

(2) Approve or reject recommendations concerning the appointments of the Chief Operating Officer, Attorney, Auditor, Police Chief, and Fire Chief;
(3) Remove from office the Chief Operating Officer, Attorney, Auditor, Police Chief  and Fire Chief by majority vote of the entire Board; and

(4) Override the Mayor’s veto with the affirmative vote of six Commissioners.

(c) In the exercise of its powers, the Board shall adopt and provide for the execution of such ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations, not inconsistent with this charter, as may be necessary or proper for the purpose of carrying into effect the powers conferred by this charter and for the promotion and protection of the safety, health, peace, security, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the unified government and may enforce such ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations by imposing penalties for violations thereof, as prescribed by ordinance, by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.

(d) Except as otherwise provided by the Constitution, general or local law, or this charter, the Board may by ordinance create, change, alter, combine, abolish, consolidate, and redefine the manner of appointment, membership, powers, and duties of bureaus, boards, commissions, departments, divisions, authorities, offices, and agencies of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, including positions of public employment, and may transfer and delete functions and assign additional functions to any bureaus, offices, agencies, departments, divisions, boards, authorities, commissions, and positions of public employment existing under this charter.  The Board may by ordinance transfer all the assets, liabilities, and obligations thereof to a department, a division, or other unit of a department of the unified government, which shall have the power, and its duty shall be, to perform and exercise all the functions and powers theretofore performed and exercised by such board, commission, authority, division, agency, bureau, office, department, or position of public employment.

(e) Subsection (d) of Section 2‑105 of this charter shall not apply to any authorities or boards which were created by either a local constitutional amendment or by a local Act of the General Assembly.

(f) The Board shall have the power to conduct or cause to be conducted inquiries and investigations of the operations of any office, department, or agency or the conduct of any officer or employee thereof administering the affairs of the unified government.  In conducting inquiries and investigations, the Board shall have the right to administer oaths; subpoena witnesses, documents, records, or other evidence; take testimony; and require the production of evidence.  The conduct of proceedings at Board inquiries and investigations shall be subject to such rules and regulations as the Board may prescribe by general ordinance.

(g) The Board shall provide for the form of oaths and the amount and condition of surety bonds as may be required of any officer or employee of the unified government.

(h) The Board shall have and exercise such other powers as conferred upon it by this charter and the laws of Georgia.

SECTION 2‑106.
Filling of Vacancies. (a) In the event that the office of a member of the Board of Commissioners shall become vacant by reason of death, resignation, or any other cause, and the term shall expire in less than two years, the remaining members of the Board shall appoint a replacement from within the district without a representative to fulfill the unexpired term.  Any individual so appointed must have the same qualifications required for election to the office.

(b) If the term of the vacant Board position will continue for more than two years, a special election shall be held as provided in this charter and in general state law to elect a new member of the Board to serve for the remainder of the term. 

CHAPTER 2 ‑ Legislative Procedure

SECTION 2‑201.

Legislation by Ordinance. Every official act of the Board which is to have the force and effect of law shall be by ordinance and shall begin with the words:  "The Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, hereby ordains."  All other acts of the Board shall be by resolution or shall take such other form as prescribed by its rules.

SECTION 2‑202.

Introduction, Consideration, and Passage of Ordinances and Resolutions. (a) Every proposed ordinance and every amendment shall contain not more than one subject which shall be clearly expressed in its title.

(b) Every proposed ordinance and every amendment shall be introduced in writing.

(c) Prior to the introduction of any ordinance, copies of it shall be prepared by the Chief Operating Officer and distributed to each member of the Board and to the Attorney.  It shall be the duty of the Attorney to review the draftsmanship and impact of each ordinance.  Within seven days after a proposed ordinance has been introduced, the Chief Operating Officer shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation designated as the legal organ of the unified government a brief description of the subject and purpose of the ordinance and notice of the availability of the proposed ordinance for public inspection in the office of the Chief Operating Officer.

(d) A summary of every proposed ordinance shall be read upon first introduction and by title at the next regular meeting not less than seven days following the meeting of its introduction.  In no event however, except for emergency ordinances, may any ordinance be voted on in less than seven days after it is introduced.

(e) The adoption of any ordinance shall be by the affirmative vote of at least five of the nine Commissioners.

(f) The passage of all ordinances shall be contingent upon the recording of the "ayes" and "nays" of each Commissioner, and the names of the Commissioners voting for and against each proposed ordinance or amendment, those abstaining, and those absent shall be entered upon the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.

SECTION 2‑203.

Emergency Ordinances. To meet a public emergency threatening life, health, property, or public safety, the Board may adopt emergency ordinances; provided, however, that such ordinances may not be enacted to levy taxes; to grant, renew, or extend a franchise; to regulate the rate charged for any public utility or service; or to authorize the borrowing of money unless it shall be repaid in 30 days or less.  An emergency ordinance shall be in the form prescribed for ordinances generally, except that it shall be plainly designated as an emergency ordinance and shall contain a declaration stating what emergency exists.  An emergency ordinance may be adopted with or without amendment or it may be rejected at the meeting at which it is introduced, but the affirmative vote of at least six of the nine members of the Board shall be required for adoption.  An emergency ordinance shall become effective upon adoption or at such later time as it may specify.  Every emergency ordinance shall automatically stand repealed on the sixteenth day following the date on which it was adopted; but if the emergency still exists, this shall not prevent reenactment of the ordinance in the manner specified in this section.  An emergency ordinance may also be repealed by adoption of a repealing ordinance in the same manner specified in this section for adoption of emergency ordinances.

SECTION 2‑204.

Submission of Ordinances to Mayor; Veto. Every ordinance or resolution adopted by the Board shall be certified by the Chief Operating Officer and presented to the Mayor within two business days following its adoption.  The Mayor shall approve or veto the ordinance or resolution within ten business days after adoption, and no ordinance or resolution shall become effective without his or her approval except as herein provided.  If the Mayor vetoes an ordinance or resolution, he or she shall within two business days following such veto return the ordinance or resolution to the Chief Operating Officer with a written statement of the reasons for the veto.  The Chief Operating Officer shall record the date of the receipt of the vetoed ordinance or resolution and thereupon shall notify the Board members of such veto.  If the Board shall pass the ordinance or resolution by a vote of six of the nine members at the meeting next held after the ordinance or resolution has been returned with the Mayor's veto, it shall become law without his or her approval.  In the event the Mayor does not approve or veto the ordinance or resolution within the time required, it shall become law without his or her approval.

SECTION 2‑205.

Authentication; Recording; Effective Date. All ordinances which have become law shall immediately be deposited in the official archives of the Chief Operating Officer.  The Chief Operating Officer shall note on the face of the ordinance the date and time it has become law and the ordinance shall become effective at noon on the day following its becoming law or at such later time as it may specify.  The Chief Operating Officer shall authenticate by his or her signature each ordinance which has become law.

SECTION 2‑206.

Codes of Technical Regulations. (a) The Board may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference thereto in an adopting ordinance.  The procedure and requirements governing such adopting ordinance shall be prescribed for ordinances generally except that:

(1) The requirements of subsection (c) of Section 2‑202 of this charter for distribution of copies of the ordinance to each Commissioner and to the Attorney shall be construed to include copies of the code of technical regulations which shall be maintained in the Chief Operating Officer’s office, as well as the adopting ordinance; and

(2) A copy of each adopted code of technical regulations, as well as the adopting ordinance, shall be authenticated and recorded by the Chief Operating Officer as provided in Section 2‑205 of this charter.

(b) Copies of any adopted code of technical regulations shall be made available by the Chief Operating Officer for public inspection and for purchase at a reasonable price as fixed by the Board.

SECTION 2‑207.

Codification and Printing of Ordinances. (a) The Board shall, within two years of the effective date of this charter, provide for the preparation of a general codification of all ordinances of a general or permanent nature. Such code shall be adopted by the Board by ordinance and shall be published promptly in loose‑leaf form, together with all amendments thereto, this charter, any amendments hereto, and such codes of technical regulations and other rules and regulations as the Board may specify.  This compilation shall be known and cited officially as the "Code of Macon-Bibb, Georgia." As determined by the Board, copies of the code shall be furnished to officers, departments, and agencies of the unified government; placed in libraries and public offices for public reference; and made available for purchase by the public at a reasonable price.

(b) Following publication of the first Code of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and from time to time thereafter, the ordinances and charter amendments shall be printed in substantially the same style as the code then in effect and shall be suitable in form for integration therein.

SECTION 2‑208.

Prima‑Facie Evidence. A record or entry made by the Chief Operating Officer or a copy of such record or entry, duly certified by the Chief Operating Officer, shall be prima‑facie evidence of the terms of every ordinance and its due publication. 

CHAPTER 3 ‑ Ethics and Prohibited Practices

SECTION 2‑301.

Conflict of Interest. No elected official, appointed officer, or employee of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, or any agency or political entity to which this charter applies shall knowingly:

(1) Engage in any business or transaction in which the person has a financial interest which is incompatible with the proper discharge of official duties;

(2) Disclose confidential information concerning the property, government, or affairs of the governmental body by which such person is engaged or is a member of without proper legal authorization or use that information to advance the financial or other private interest of such person or others;

(3) Accept any gift that has a value of $100.00 or more from any person, firm, or corporation which to his or her knowledge is interested, directly or indirectly, in business dealings with the governmental body he or she is a member of or by which such person is engaged; provided, however, that an elected official who is a candidate for public office may accept campaign contributions and services in connection with any campaign;

(4) Represent private interests other than his or her own in any action or proceeding against Macon-Bibb, Georgia, or any portion of its government; or

(5) Vote or otherwise actively participate in the negotiation or the making of any contract between Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and any business or entity in which he or she has a financial interest.

SECTION 2‑302.

Disclosure. Any elected official, appointed officer, or employee of the unified government or of any board, commission, authority, or agency thereof who shall have any private financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or matter pending before or within any department of the unified government shall disclose such private interest to the Board.  Any Commissioner who has a private interest in any matter pending before the Board shall disclose such private interest and such disclosure shall be entered on the records of the Board, and he or she shall disqualify himself or herself from participating in any decision or vote relating thereto.  Any elected official, appointed officer, or employee of any board, commission, authority, or agency of the unified government who shall have any private financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or matter pending before or within such entity, shall disclose such private interest to the Board.

SECTION 2‑303.

Testimony of Public Officials Relating to Public Affairs. Any officer or employee of the unified government or of any board, commission, authority, or agency thereof who is duly and properly called as a witness before any unified government, state, or federal judicial or administrative tribunal, and who shall before such tribunal fail to answer any proper question concerning the performance of his or her official duties shall be guilty of a violation of this charter.

SECTION 2‑304.

Contracts Voidable and Rescindable. Any contract between Macon-Bibb, Georgia or any board, commission, authority, agency, or entity thereof made in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be voidable or rescindable at the option of the Board at any time if any elected official, appointed officer, or employee of such unified government or board, commission, authority, or agency thereof has any interest in such contract and does not disclose such interest in accordance with Section 2‑302 of this charter.

SECTION 2‑305.

Hearings and Determinations; Penalties for Violation.  (a)  Upon the sworn complaint of any person alleging facts which if true would constitute a violation of this charter, the Board may conduct a public hearing at which the accused shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either personally or through counsel.  At the conclusion of such hearing, the Board shall, in written findings of fact and conclusions based thereon, make a determination concerning the propriety of the conduct of the official or employee in question.

(b) Any officer or employee of Macon-Bibb, Georgia or of any board, commission, authority, or agency thereof who is found to have knowingly concealed his or her personal financial interest or who is found to have knowingly violated any of the requirements of this charter shall be deemed guilty of malfeasance in office or position.  If such decision is upheld after all reviews and repeals provided by the merit system of the unified government have been exhausted, the officer or employee shall be subject to such punishment as may be deemed appropriate by the Board and which may include forfeiture of office or position.

(c) Any officer or employee of the unified government or of any board, commission, authority, or agency thereof who shall forfeit his or her office or position as described in subsection (b) above shall be ineligible for appointment or election to or employment in a position in the unified government or of any board, commission, authority, or agency thereof for a period of three years thereafter. 

ARTICLE III
MAYOR

SECTION 3‑101.

Election; Term. There is hereby created the office of "Mayor of Macon-Bibb, Georgia" (referred to at times in this charter as the "Mayor").  The Mayor shall be elected at-large by the voters  of the unified government and shall serve for a term of four years and until a successor is elected and qualified.  Any Mayor who has been elected for three full consecutive four‑year terms of office under the provisions of this charter shall not be eligible to be elected for the succeeding term.

SECTION 3‑102.

Qualifications of Office. (a) To be eligible for election as Mayor, a person on the date of election must:

(1) Have attained the age of 21 years;

(2) Have resided in the territory of Macon-Bibb, Georgia for at least one year immediately preceding the date of election and must continue such residence therein during the term of office;

(3) Be a registered voter of Macon-Bibb, Georgia; and

(4) Meet any other requirements as established by law.

(b) No person elected as Mayor shall, during that person's term of office, hold any other federal, state, or local government office.

SECTION 3‑103.

Compensation. (a) The Mayor shall receive as compensation for the services of this office an annual salary of $125,000, payable in equal monthly installments.

(b) In addition to the salary, the Mayor shall be reimbursed for all direct expenses incurred in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the unified government.

(c) The salary and expenses of members of the Mayor may be changed by ordinance, subject to the following conditions:

(1) No action to increase the salary or expenses of the Mayor shall be taken until notice of intent to take the action has been published in the official legal organ of Macon-Bibb at least once a week for three successive weeks immediately preceding the week during which the action is taken;

(2) Any action to increase the salary of the Mayor shall not become effective until the date of commencement of the term of the Mayor elected at the next regular election following such action; and

(3) No action to increase the salary of the Mayor shall be taken during the period between the date when candidates for election to the office of Mayor may first qualify as candidates and the date when the newly elected Mayor takes office following the election.

SECTION 3‑104.

Powers and Duties. The Mayor shall have the powers and duties to:

(a) Serve as the official representative of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, including serving as the unified government's representative to federal, state, and local governmental bodies and officials;

(b) Appoint a Chief Operating Officer, who will be confirmed by a majority of the Board.  Initiate the process, with the involvement of Commissioners and appropriate staff, to search and screen candidates for the positions of Attorney, Auditor, Police Chief and Fire Chief and to appoint candidates for these positions to the Board of Commissioners subject to concurrence of majority of the entire Board;

(c)  Remove the Chief Operating Officer, Attorney, Auditor, Police Chief, and Fire Chief for cause.  
(d)  Set the agenda, after receiving input from members of the Board, the Chief Operating Officer, and the public, for meetings of the Board; 

(e) Make committee appointments;

(f) Present the annual budget and the capital improvements budget, which has been prepared by the Chief Operating Officer with the assistance of all department and agency heads and all others who supervise the implementation of a budget that uses funds of Macon-Bibb, Georgia for approval by the Mayor, to the Board  for approval;

(g) Approve or veto proposed ordinances or resolutions as provided by this charter;

(h) Call special meetings of the Board of Commissioners as provided by this charter and by rules of the Board;

(i) Execute all deeds, contracts, and obligations of the unified government, provided such execution shall be attested to by the Chief Operating Officer;

(j) Recommend to the Board the adoption of such measures as deemed necessary or expedient; and

(k) Perform any other duties and exercise any other powers required by state or federal law or authorized by a duly adopted ordinance that is not in conflict with this charter.

SECTION 3‑105.

Voting. The Mayor shall not be authorized to vote on any matter before the Board.  

SECTION 3‑106.

Vacancy in Office of Mayor. (a)  In the event that the office of Mayor shall become vacant by reason of death, resignation, or any other cause, within two years of the end of the term, the unexpired term  shall be filled by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners who shall serve as Mayor with all powers of the Mayor until the next general election.  

(b) If the term of the Mayor will continue for more than two years, a special election shall be held as provided in general law to elect a new Mayor for the remainder of the vacant Mayor’s term provided that the Chairman of the Board will serve as mayor pro tempore until an election is held and a successor is elected and qualified. 

ARTICLE IV
ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 1 ‑ Officers

SECTION 4‑101.

Chief Operating Officer; Appointment; Qualifications; Compensation. There shall be a professional manager who shall be known as the Chief Operating Officer of Macon-Bibb, Georgia (hereinafter “COO”).  The Mayor shall recommend candidates to the Board for the office of COO who shall be the full‑time administrative officer of the unified government.  No person holding an elective office in Macon-Bibb shall be eligible for appointment until two years after leaving elective office. Such recommendations shall become effective when confirmed by a majority vote of the total membership of the Board.  The COO shall be prohibited from engaging in any political activity, and the COO shall not be eligible to qualify as a candidate for an elective office in Macon-Bibb for one year after leaving office.  The COO shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and may be removed from office by the Mayor for cause.  The COO need not be a resident of the unified government at the time of his or her appointment but shall establish residence therein within six months of such appointment and continue to reside therein throughout such appointment.  The qualifications and compensation of the COO shall be fixed by the Board of Commissioners.

SECTION 4‑102.

Chief Operating Officer; Powers and Duties. (a) The COO shall be responsible for:

(1) The management and coordination of the operations and activities of the various departments and agencies of the unified government;

(2) The appointment and removal of all department heads with the exception the city attorney, auditor, police chief, and fire chief;

(3) The preparation of the proposed annual budget with the assistance of all department heads for approval by the Board;

(4) Keeping the Board at all times fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the unified government;

(5) Conducting studies and investigations and making reports thereon to the Board concerning the operations of the departments, offices, and agencies of the unified government;

(6) Requiring any department, board, commission, or agency under the COO jurisdiction to submit written reports and to provide other information as deemed necessary;

(7) Prescribing, requiring, publishing, and implementing standards of administrative, management, and operating practices and procedures to be followed and adhered to by all offices, departments, boards, commissions, authorities, and other agencies of the unified government which are subject to the COO’s supervision and jurisdiction;

(8) Acting as the purchasing agent of Macon-Bibb as provided for in Section 8‑105 of this charter; and

(9) Maintaining all required records of the operations and activities of Macon-Bibb, including the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Macon-Bibb.

(b) Except for the purpose of inquiry and investigation, the Mayor and Board shall deal with employees of the unified government who are subject to appointment and removal by the COO solely through the COO and shall not give orders or directions to any such employee, either publicly or privately, directly or indirectly.

SECTION 4‑103.

Attorney; Appointment; Term; Qualifications; Duties; Compensation. (a) The Mayor shall recommend candidates to the Board for the Attorney of the unified government (referred to at times in this charter as the "Attorney").  The recommendations shall become effective when confirmed by a majority vote of the total membership of the Board.  The Attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and may be removed from office by the Mayor for cause.

(b) The Attorney shall be an active member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing and shall satisfy any other qualifications established by ordinance.

(c) The Attorney shall be the legal counsel to the unified government and shall perform such other duties as may be required by this charter or by ordinance.

(d) The compensation of the Attorney shall be as prescribed by a duly adopted ordinance.

SECTION 4‑104.

Auditor; Appointment; Term; Duties; Qualifications; Compensation. (a) The Mayor shall recommend candidates to the Board for the office of Auditor of the unified government (referred to at times in this charter as the "Auditor").  The recommendations shall become effective when confirmed by a majority vote of the total membership of the Board.  The Auditor shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and may be removed from office by the Mayor for cause.

(b) The qualifications, duties, and compensation of the Auditor shall be as prescribed in a duly adopted ordinance.

SECTION 4‑105.

Sheriff. The Sheriff of Bibb County in office on the effective date of this charter shall be the Sheriff of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  The Sheriff shall serve for the same term as provided by law, and the compensation shall be fixed as provided by law. Subsequent elections for Sheriff shall be on the same basis as provided by law for the election of sheriffs generally.  (Alternatives) The Sheriff shall be responsible for the operation of the jail, the transport of prisoners, the service of process, and such other duties being provided on the effective date of this charter. / The Sheriff shall be the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  On the effective date of this charter, the Police Department of the former City of Macon shall stand abolished.  The Sheriff shall have such other or different powers and duties as provided by the Constitution and laws of Georgia.

SECTION 4‑106.

Judge of the Probate Court. The Judge of the Probate Court of Bibb County in office on the effective date of this charter shall be the Judge of the Probate Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  The Judge of Probate Court shall serve for the same term as provided by law, and the compensation shall be fixed as provided by law.  Subsequent elections for the Judge of the Probate Court shall be on the same basis as provided by law for the election of probate judges generally.  The Judge of the Probate Court shall perform the same duties and exercise the same powers as conferred on probate judges generally by the Constitution and laws of Georgia.

SECTION 4‑107.

Clerk of Superior Court. The Clerk of Superior Court of Bibb County in office on the effective date of this charter shall be the Clerk of Superior Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  The Clerk of Superior Court shall serve for the same term as provided by law, and the compensation shall be fixed as provided by law.  Subsequent elections for the Clerk of Superior Court shall be on the same basis as provided by law for the election of clerks of superior court generally.  The Clerk of Superior Court shall perform the same duties and exercise the same powers as conferred on clerks of superior court generally by the Constitution and laws of Georgia.

SECTION 4‑108.

Tax Commissioner. The Tax Commissioner of Bibb County in office on the effective date of this charter shall be the Tax Commissioner of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  The Tax Commissioner shall serve for the same term as provided by law, and the compensation shall be fixed as provided by law.  Subsequent elections for Tax Commissioner shall be on the same basis as provided by law for the election of tax commissioners generally.  The Tax Commissioner shall perform the same duties and exercise the same powers as conferred on tax commissioners generally by the Constitution and laws of Georgia.

SECTION 4‑109.

Coroner. The Coroner of Bibb County in office on the effective date of this charter shall be the Coroner of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  The Coroner shall serve for the same term as provided by law, and compensation shall be fixed as provided by law. Subsequent elections for Coroner shall be on the same basis as provided by law for the election of coroners generally.  The Coroner shall perform the same duties and exercise the same powers as conferred on coroners generally by the Constitution and laws of Georgia. 

CHAPTER 2 ‑ Administrative and Service Departments

SECTION 4‑201.

Creation and Functions; Generally. Except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law, the administrative and service departments of the unified government shall be created and established by ordinance and shall perform such functions, duties, services, and responsibilities as enumerated in such ordinances and as prescribed by administrative regulations.

SECTION 4‑202.

Administrative Reorganization. The Board may, by ordinance, reorganize, combine, consolidate, or discontinue any department or agency of the unified government subject to the jurisdiction of the Board and may, by ordinance, prescribe the functions and duties thereof and may establish, abolish, or alter all nonelective offices and positions of employment as necessary for the proper administration of the unified government.
SECTION 4‑203.

Appointment of Directors of Departments. All directors of departments under the supervision and direction of the COO shall be appointed by the COO.  The directors of all such departments shall serve at the pleasure of the COO.

SECTION 4‑204.

Departments under State Law. (a) All departments, which are created pursuant to state or federal law and which administer various state and federal programs and services, shall continue their operations without interruption resulting from the adoption of this charter. 

CHAPTER 3 ‑ Merit System of Personnel Administration

SECTION 4‑301.

Establishment of Merit System. (a) The Board shall establish, by ordinance, a Merit System of Personnel Administration for Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  All positions in the service of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be in the Classified (Merit System) Service except the following which are declared to be in the Unclassified Service:

(1) Officers elected by the people and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective offices;

(2) Members of boards and commissions;

(3) Directors of departments;

(4) Persons temporarily employed in a professional or scientific capacity or to conduct a special inquiry, investigation, examination, or installation;

(5) Temporary and part‑time employees; and

(6) Such other employees as may be excluded from coverage under the merit system as provided by ordinance or other applicable law.

(b) The Merit System of Personnel Administration shall provide for classification of positions, the manner and method of publicizing vacancies, employing and appointing personnel, the qualifications of employees, employee performance evaluations, salaries, hours of employment, vacations, sick leave, special workers' compensation, job security, promotion, demotion, disciplinary procedures, transfer, layoff, removal, welfare of employees, retirement policy, payment of premiums of employee insurance benefits, grievance procedures, service awards, training leave, and any other measures that promote the hiring and retaining of capable, diligent, and honest career employees, all of which shall be in accordance with the concept of affirmative action as provided by federal law. 

CHAPTER 4 ‑ Boards, Commissions, and Authorities

SECTION 4‑401.

Certain Boards, Commissions, and Authorities Continued. All existing boards, commissions, and authorities are continued without interruption on the effective date of this charter.  As used in the Acts and amendments creating the existing boards, commissions, and authorities, the terms Macon City Council and Bibb County Board of Commissioners shall mean the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and the terms Mayor of the City of Macon and Chairman of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners shall mean the Mayor of Macon-Bibb, Georgia. The Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall have the authority to examine all existing boards, commissions, and authorities of the former City of Macon and Bibb County for the purpose of determining whether any such boards, commissions, and authorities should be reorganized or reconstituted for the purpose of increasing their efficient operation.  Provided however that this authority shall not be construed to authorize the Board to affect any board, commission, and authority created by general law or by local constitutional amendment.  

ARTICLE V
JUDICIARY

SECTION 5‑101.

Superior Court and District Attorney; Unaffected by Charter; Redesignation. The Superior Court of Bibb County, including the office of the District Attorney, shall continue its operations without interruption resulting from the adoption of this charter, and nothing herein shall be construed as affecting the status of said court.  The court shall be known as the Superior Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 5‑102.

State Court and Solicitor-General; Unaffected by Charter; Redesignation. The State Court of Bibb County, including the office of the Solicitor-General, shall continue its operations without interruption resulting from the adoption of this charter, and nothing herein shall be construed as affecting the status of said court.  The court shall be known as the State Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 5‑103.

Juvenile Court; Unaffected by Charter; Redesignation. The Juvenile Court of Bibb County shall continue its operations without interruption resulting from the adoption of this charter, and nothing herein shall be construed as affecting the status of said court.  The court shall be known as the Juvenile Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 5‑104.

Probate Court; Unaffected by Charter; Redesignation. The Probate Court of Bibb County shall continue its operations without interruption resulting from the adoption of this charter, and nothing herein shall be construed as affecting the status of said court.  The court shall be known as the Probate Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 5‑105.

Magistrate Court; Unaffected by Charter; Redesignation. The Magistrate Court of Bibb County shall continue its operations without interruption resulting from the adoption of this charter, and nothing herein shall be construed as affecting the status of said court.  The court shall be known as the Magistrate Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 5‑106.

Municipal Court of the City of Macon; Abolishment of Operations in the Unified Government. Six months after the effective date of this charter, the Municipal Court of the City of Macon shall stand abolished.  Any cases pending before the municipal court on that date shall be transferred to the State Court of Macon-Bibb.  Thereafter, all jurisdiction of the former Municipal Court of the City of Macon shall be transferred to the State Court of Macon-Bibb, Georgia. 

	ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 1 ‑ Conduct of Elections

SECTION 6‑101.

Applicability of General Laws. Except as otherwise provided by this charter, primaries and regular and special elections shall be conducted in accordance with provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the O.C.G.A., the "Georgia Election Code." As used in said Code, the terms "election" or "general election" shall be construed to include the term "regular election" as provided in Section 6‑102 of this charter; the term "governing authority" shall include the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia; the terms "municipal," "municipality," or "county" shall include Macon-Bibb, Georgia; and the term "public office" shall include elective offices of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 6‑102.

Regular Election, Time for Holding; Voting. (a) Except for the initial elections which may or may not be held on the date of regular state elections (see Section 9‑101 of this charter), regular elections for the elective public officers of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be held every two years on the same Tuesday in November when regular state elections are held.

(b) Only the electorate of each of the nine election districts as defined in Section 6‑201 of this charter shall be entitled to vote in the election for the Commissioner to be elected from that district.

SECTION 6‑103.

Special Elections. All special elections shall be held and conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the O.C.G.A., the "Georgia Election Code."

CHAPTER 2 ‑ Election Districts; Reapportionment

	SECTION 6‑201.

Number of Districts; Boundaries. The territory of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall consist of nine single-member election districts to be designated respectively as Districts 1 through 9, and the boundaries of the initial districts shall be as specifically described and set forth in Appendix A of this charter which is incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 6‑202.

Reapportionment of Election Districts. (a) The election district boundaries of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall be reapportioned following the publication of each official federal decennial census of the population of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  Such reapportionment shall be accomplished by the adoption of an amendment to this charter, including Appendix A, by the General Assembly of Georgia.

(b) The reapportionment of election districts shall comply with the following specifications:

(1) Each election district shall be formed of contiguous territory and its boundary lines shall be the center lines of streets or other well defined boundaries as utilized by the United States Bureau of the Census; and

(2) Such election districts shall be as nearly equal in population as practicable, and they shall comply with the requirements of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended.

(c) Any reapportionment of election districts shall apply to officials of the unified government elected at the next regular election following such reapportionment; provided, however, any reapportionment ordinance shall not apply to any regular election or special election held within six months after the Act becomes effective. 

ARTICLE VII
REVENUE AND FINANCE
CHAPTER 1 ‑ Taxation and Other Revenues
SECTION 7‑101.

Levy and Collection of Taxes, Fees, Charges, and Assessments; Appropriations. (a) For the purpose of raising revenue for the support and maintenance of the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, the Commission shall have full power and authority to levy and collect taxes to the extent hereinafter provided and to appropriate funds and expend money:

(1) For the purposes authorized by this charter;

(2) For the discharge of the powers, duties, obligations, liabilities, and functions specified in this charter;

(3) For any and all purposes and any and all subjects of taxation for which the City of Macon or Bibb County may have been authorized and in accordance with those authorizations to levy and collect taxes and to appropriate and expend funds under the Constitution or any general or special law of Georgia applicable to the City of Macon or Bibb County on the effective date of this charter; and

(4) For any purpose authorized by the Constitution or any general or special law of Georgia applicable to municipal corporations and counties generally now of force or hereafter enacted.

(b) The Board shall have full power and authority to levy and collect the following taxes, charges and assessments:

(1) Ad valorem taxes on all real and personal property situated within Macon-Bibb, Georgia, which is subject to taxation for state, county, and municipal purposes, or for any other public purpose, to the full extent permitted by the Constitution and laws of Georgia, whether local (of the City of Macon or Bibb County) or general;

(2) Occupation and business license taxes that are not prohibited by the Constitution and general laws of Georgia.  These taxes may be levied upon any person, firm, partnership, company, or corporation which has a location or office within Macon-Bibb, Georgia, at which a business, profession, or occupation is conducted. Subject to the restrictions imposed by general law, the Commission may also impose a regulatory fee, whether designated as a license fee or permit fee or other name, on those businesses, professions, or occupations that the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia regulates.  

(3) An excise tax on rooms, lodgings, or accommodations as now or hereafter provided by law for counties and municipalities;

(4) License fees and taxes on insurance companies as authorized by Code Sections 33‑8‑8 through 33‑8‑8.6 of the O.C.G.A.;

(5) A public utility franchise tax, fee, or both, on each electric light and power company, gas company, telephone and telegraph company, and other public utility making use of the roads, streets, alleys, or other public ways of Macon-Bibb, Georgia for the purpose of rendering services therein;

(6) Charge and collect franchise fees on cable television systems as now or hereafter provided by law for counties;

(7) Fees, assessments, and charges for the cost of constructing, reconstructing, widening, or improving any public way, street, sidewalk, curbing, gutters, storm sewers, drainage structures, or other utility mains and appurtenances from the abutting property owners under any terms and conditions as provided by ordinance;

(8) Fees, assessments, charges, and tolls for sanitary and health services or any other services rendered within and without the limits of the unified government under such terms and conditions as provided by ordinance;

(9) All other such taxes, charges, or assessments as the City of Macon or Bibb County were authorized and empowered to make and collect upon the effective date of this charter, which powers may be exercised throughout the area of the unified government, or appropriate portions thereof, including any tax now or hereafter authorized by state law and the specific mention of any right, power, or authority in this charter shall not be construed as limiting in any way the general powers of the Board to govern its local affairs.  When authorized by this charter or a statute or the Constitution of the State of Georgia, the Board shall have full power and authority to assess, levy, charge, and collect taxes, rentals, interest, fees, penalties, fines, and costs; to receive income on investments; to accept funds, services, or property from other political subdivisions and public agencies, either local, state, or national, and from private persons, firms, or corporations; and to contract with them for any public purpose;

(10) An excise tax upon the sale of distilled spirits or alcoholic beverages for beverage purposes by the drink as now or hereafter provided by law for counties and municipalities;

(11) An excise tax upon the sale, transfer, or dispensing of malt beverages and alcoholic beverages within Macon-Bibb, Georgia, by wholesale or retail dealers as now or hereafter provided by law for counties and municipalities. In addition, the Board shall have the authority to impose, assess, levy, and collect an excise tax upon the sale, transfer, or dispensing of wine by wholesale or retail dealers within Macon-Bibb, Georgia, as now or hereafter provided by law for counties and municipalities; and

(12) Such other taxes and charges as provided by law.

SECTION 7‑102.

Collection of Delinquent Taxes and Fees. The collection of delinquent taxes and fees shall be as provided in state law for the collection of delinquent property taxes by counties.

SECTION 7‑103.

Homestead Exemptions. The homestead exemptions provided under the Constitution and laws of Georgia presently in force or as hereafter amended shall be applicable to all such property subject to ad valorem taxes within Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

SECTION 7‑104.

Tax and Services Districts; Taxation Therein. (a) The general services area as defined and authorized in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 7‑301 of this charter shall constitute a general services tax district wherein the Board shall levy and collect taxes and shall appropriate money to perform and discharge those powers, functions, and services provided therein by the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

(b) The urban services area as authorized in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Section 7‑301 of this charter together with any enlargement or modification thereof pursuant to the provisions of this charter, shall constitute an Urban Tax District, as the case may be, wherein the Board may levy and collect additional taxes and may appropriate additional money therefrom to perform and discharge those additional powers, functions, and additional services provided therein by the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.

(c) The assessment of real and personal property for ad valorem tax purposes shall be upon a uniform basis throughout the entire area of the unified government; provided, however, the rate and manner of additional taxation of services districts may vary in any services tax district from that in another or other services tax districts in such a way as to reflect reasonably the kind, character, type, degree, and level of services afforded to such services tax district or districts. 

	CHAPTER 2 ‑ Borrowing and Indebtedness

SECTION 7‑201.

Issuance of General Obligation Bonds. (a) The Board shall be authorized to issue and sell general obligation bonds, after approval of the qualified voters, under the provisions of the Constitution and general laws of Georgia for any public purpose for the benefit of the unified government or any tax area or services district thereof; provided, however, that for the purpose of issuing and selling such general obligation bonds, the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall be deemed a county and the provisions of the Constitution and laws of Georgia governing the limitations, terms, and procedures for the issuance and sale of bonds by counties shall apply to the unified government unless otherwise provided by this charter.

(b) All general obligation bonds shall be issued in the name of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and shall be an obligation thereof, and the full faith and credit of the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall be pledged for all general obligation bonds issued thereunder which are payable from ad valorem taxes, and for such purpose, the Board shall have the authority to levy and collect ad valorem taxes without limit as to rate or amount on all taxable property within the territorial limits of the unified government.

SECTION 7‑202.

Debt Limitation; General Obligation Bonds. The total general obligation bond indebtedness of the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia payable from ad valorem taxes (including all outstanding general obligation bonds of the former City of Macon and Bibb County on the effective date of this charter) shall not exceed 10 percent of the assessed value of all taxable property within the territorial limits of the unified government.

SECTION 7‑203.

Revenue Bonds. The Board shall be empowered and authorized to issue revenue bonds for the purposes and in the manner as now or hereafter provided by Article 3 of Chapter 82 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A., the "Revenue Bond Law."

SECTION 7‑204.

Use of Bond Proceeds. All revenue derived by Macon-Bibb, Georgia from the issuance and sale of bonds shall be used exclusively for the purposes for which such bonds were issued, and all ad valorem taxes collected for the purpose of servicing or retiring such bonds shall be used exclusively for the payment of principal and interest thereof.

SECTION 7‑205.

Allocation of Indebtedness. (a) All general indebtedness of Bibb County, whether represented by general obligation bonds or otherwise, which may be outstanding upon the effective date of this charter, shall be allocated to the general services area as defined in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 7‑301 of this charter, and is hereby recognized as the obligation of the general services area of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  All general indebtedness of the City of Macon, whether represented by general obligation bonds or otherwise which may be outstanding upon the effective date of this charter, shall be allocated to the urban services area as is defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Section 7‑301 of this charter.  The Board is hereby authorized to levy taxes and otherwise provide for the retirement thereof, subject to the terms of this charter.  Any funds in the control of the heretofore existent City of Macon and Bibb County, now consolidated into Macon-Bibb, Georgia, by this charter, which theretofore had been allocated to the retirement of any bonded indebtedness of said municipality and county shall be so applied by the Board.

(b) All general obligation bonds issued prior to the effective date of this charter by Bibb County and all bonds authorized but unissued by Bibb County on the effective date of this charter and thereafter issued by Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be allocated to the general services area, and the principal of and interest on such bonds shall be paid from ad valorem taxes or other revenues collected in the general services area.  All general obligation bonds issued prior to the effective date of this charter by the City of Macon and all bonds authorized but unissued by the City of Macon on the effective date of this charter and thereafter issued by Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be allocated to the urban services area, and the principal and interest on such bonds shall be paid from ad valorem taxes or other revenues collected in the urban services area.

(c) Any revenue bonds issued prior to the effective date of this charter by the City of Macon or Bibb County under Article 3 of Chapter 82 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A., the "Revenue Bond Law," and any such revenue bonds authorized but unissued by the said city or county on the effective date of this charter and thereafter issued by Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be payable as to principal and interest from the revenues or sources and in the manner provided in the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such revenue bonds.

(d) Neither the allocation of bonds to the general services area nor any of the other provisions of this charter shall impair or diminish any of the rights, revenues, or security and source for payment of any of such bonds or revenue bonds issued by the City of Macon or by Bibb County prior to the effective date of this charter, or authorized but unissued by the City of Macon or by Bibb County on the effective date of this charter and thereafter issued by Macon-Bibb, Georgia; and such holders of such bonds or revenue bonds shall have and be entitled to enforce any and all rights, remedies, and security and sources for payment granted such holders by the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds or revenue bonds as fully and to the same extent as if this charter had not been adopted. 

	 CHAPTER 3 ‑ Financing of Services

SECTION 7‑301.

General and Urban Services Areas. (a) In Macon-Bibb, Georgia, there shall be:

(1) A general services area which shall consist of the total area of Bibb County as fixed and established upon the effective date of this charter or as hereafter modified according to law;

(2) An urban services area which shall consist of the area embraced within the corporate limits of the City of Macon as the same exists upon the day immediately preceding the effective date of this charter or as such area may be hereafter expanded as herein provided; and

(3) Such special services areas as the Board may hereafter establish.

(b) All other tax districts existing in the City of Macon or Bibb County immediately prior to the effective date of this charter are continued in effect by this charter.

(c) Such services areas shall be tax districts wherein taxes and other assessments shall be assessed, levied, and collected by the unified government in accordance with the kind, character, type, and degree of services actually provided therein and may vary in any one services area from that of another or other areas in accordance with the provisions of this charter. The powers, authority, duties, liabilities, services, and functions of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, may vary in any services area from that in another or other services area.

(d) The unified government is hereby empowered to exercise and provide within the general services area and within any urban services area established by this charter or by ordinance of the Board those powers, functions, and services which have theretofore been exercised and provided by Bibb County or the City of Macon, or both; all powers, functions, and services authorized by this charter, and any amendments thereto; and all powers, functions, and services which counties and municipal corporations, or both, are now or hereafter authorized to exercise under the Constitution and laws of Georgia.

(e) The unified government shall perform or procure the performance within the general services area of those governmental duties, functions, and services which are generally available and accessible to all residents throughout the total territory of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  As provided in subsection (a) of Section 1‑105 of this charter, all services provided in the general services area shall be made available to the citizens of Payne City at the same rate provided all other citizens of the general services area pursuant to a contract executed between the governments of the Payne City and Macon-Bibb for the amount of $1.00 for a period not to exceed 50 years as is provided in Article IX, Section III, Paragraph I of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.

(f) The unified government shall perform within its urban services areas those additional, more comprehensive and intensive, and higher levels of governmental duties, functions, and services which benefit primarily the residents of such urban services areas.

SECTION 7‑302.

Creation of Services Areas by Ordinance. Except as otherwise provided by this charter, services areas of the unified government shall be created, expanded, merged, unified, or reduced only by ordinance duly adopted by the Board under such general rules, procedures, regulations, requirements, and specifications as are established by the Board and this charter.  Such rules and regulations shall set forth the manner and method for the creation of new services areas and the expansion, unification, reduction, or merger of existing services areas; set forth requirements for defining functions and policies for rendering services, for changing levels of services within existing services areas, and for transferring territory from one services area to another; and set forth requirements for defining boundaries of services areas.

SECTION 7‑303.

Requirements for Defining Boundaries. Whenever in this chapter it is required that the boundaries of a services area be set out, it shall suffice if the boundaries are described in such a way as to convey an intelligent understanding of the location of the land.  In the discretion of the Board, the boundaries may be described:  (1) by reference to a map; (2) by metes and bounds; (3) by general description referring to roads or natural boundaries or to the boundaries of particular tracts or parcels of land; or (4) by any combination of the above methods.

SECTION 7‑304.

Notice of Hearing Prior to Adoption of Ordinance. Before it adopts any ordinance authorized or described in Sections 7‑301 through 7‑303 of this charter, the Board shall give notice of its intentions to consider the ordinance and shall provide an opportunity for interested persons to be heard as is provided for in Section 1‑105 of this charter. 

	CHAPTER 4 ‑ Financial Administration

SECTION 7‑401.

Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall begin on the first day of July of each year and shall end on the thirtieth day of June next following.  The Board may adopt a different fiscal year by ordinance, which shall not be effective until at least six months after the date of adoption thereof.  The fiscal year shall constitute the budget year and the year for financial accounting and reporting of each and every office, department, institution, agency, and activity of the unified government, unless otherwise provided by state or federal law.

SECTION 7‑402.

Preparation of Budgets. The preparation of an annual budget and a capital improvements budget shall be as prescribed by ordinance and provisions of this charter.  In addition, the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia may adopt budgets as are permitted by general law, including but not limited to, project budgets for major capital projects and fund budgets.  

SECTION 7‑403.

Scope of Budgets. (a) The annual budget should consist of two parts:

(1) Part I of the annual budget shall apply only to the operating expenses of the unified government; and

(2) Part II of the annual budget shall apply only to capital improvement expenses of the unified government.
(b) Each section of the annual operating and capital budget shall contain with respect to each of the operating funds of the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, to which they are applicable:

(1) A reasonable estimate of cash revenues to be received during the ensuing year, classified according to source;

(2) Proposed expenditures detailed by each department, board, commission, office, agency, and activity in accordance with an established classification of accounts, including those capital outlays which are to be financed from the revenues of the ensuing year and including all debt service requirements in full for such fiscal year; and

(3) Such other information as may be considered necessary or desirable by the COO, the Mayor, or the Board.

(c) In no event shall the total proposed expenditures from any fund exceed the total anticipated revenues plus the estimated unappropriated surplus or fund balance and applicable reserves less any estimated deficit at the end of the current fiscal year.

(d) The capital improvements budget shall describe capital projects anticipated, the proposed expenditures therefore, and the revenues or other sources of funds anticipated to finance such capital projects.

SECTION 7‑404.

Submission of Budgets to the Board of Commissioners. (a) In advance of initiating preparations of the annual budget, the Mayor, with participation of the Board, shall develop a statement of the general fiscal policies of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, the important features of the budgets, explanations of major changes recommended for the next fiscal year, a general summary of the budgets, and such other comments and information as may be deemed pertinent.

(b) On or before a date fixed by the Board but not later than 60 days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the department heads will prepare an operating budget to submit to the Mayor.  The Mayor of the unified government shall submit to the Board a proposed operating budget and a proposed capital improvements budget for the ensuing fiscal year.  Such budgets shall be accompanied by a message from the Mayor containing a statement of the general fiscal policies of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, the important features of the budgets, explanations of major changes recommended for the next fiscal year, a general summary of the budgets, and such other comments and information as may be deemed pertinent.  A summary of the budgets and the Mayor’s message thereon shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation designated as the legal organ of the unified government.  The operating budget and the capital improvements budget, the budget message, and all supporting schedules shall be filed in the COO’s office and shall be open to public inspection.

SECTION 7‑405.

Adoption of Budgets. (a) The Board shall approve, reject, or amend the proposed operating budget.  The budget as finally adopted must provide for all expenditures required by law or by other provisions of this charter and for all debt service requirements for the ensuing fiscal year. The total appropriations from any fund shall not exceed the estimated fund balance, reserves, and revenues, constituting the resources available of such fund.

(b) The Board shall adopt the final annual operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year not later than the thirtieth day of June of each year and such budget shall be effective for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of July.  In the event the Board fails to adopt the budget by this date, the amounts appropriated for current operation for the current fiscal year shall be deemed adopted for the ensuing fiscal year, with appropriate items prorated accordingly until such time as the Board shall adopt a budget for the ensuing fiscal year. Adoption of the annual operating budget shall take the form of an appropriation ordinance setting out estimated revenues in detail by source and making appropriations accordingly to fund organizational units, purposes, or activities as set forth in the budget document.

(c) The amount set out in the adopted operating budget for each organizational unit, purpose, or activity shall constitute the annual appropriation for such item, and no expenditure shall be made or encumbrance created in excess of the otherwise unencumbered balance of the appropriation, or allotment thereof, to which it is chargeable.

(d) The Board shall adopt by ordinance the capital improvements program and capital budget for the ensuing fiscal year not later than the thirtieth day of June of each year.  The capital budget ordinance shall show in detail the capital expenditures intended to be made or incurred in the ensuing fiscal year that are to be financed from funds subject to control or appropriation by the Board and shall be in full conformity with that part of the capital program applicable to the year which it covers.  Amounts specified as intended to be spent out of new appropriations shall, upon enactment of the capital budget ordinance, constitute appropriations of such amounts.

SECTION 7‑406.

Property Tax Levies. Following the adoption of the operating and capital improvements budgets for each fiscal year:

(1) The Board shall levy by ordinance a general services area tax on all real and personal property within the general services tax district as provided by this charter.  The tax rate set by such ordinance shall be such that a reasonable estimate of cash revenues from such levy shall be at least sufficient, together with other anticipated revenues, fund balances, and applicable reserves, to equal the total amount appropriated for each of the several funds set forth in the annual operating budget for defraying the expenses of the general services area for services to be rendered throughout the entire area of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  Such services shall include those functions set forth in subsections (c) and (d) of Section 7‑301 of this charter, and such other purposes, functions, and services as may be authorized by the laws of Georgia, by this charter, or by ordinance of the Board;

(2) The Board shall levy by ordinance an urban services area tax on all real and personal property within the urban services tax district as authorized by this charter.  The tax rates set by such ordinance for each district shall be such that a reasonable estimate of cash revenues from such levy shall be at least sufficient, together with other anticipated revenues, fund balances, and applicable reserves, to equal the total amount appropriated for each of the several funds set forth in the annual operating budget for defraying the expenses of a higher level of services to be rendered in urban services areas; and

(3) The Board shall levy by ordinance a special services area tax on all real and personal property within any special services tax district as authorized by this charter.  The tax rates set by such ordinance for each district shall be such that a reasonable estimate of cash revenues from such levy shall be at least sufficient, together with other anticipated revenues, fund balances, and applicable reserves, to equal the total amount appropriated for each of the several funds set forth in the annual operating budget for defraying the expenses of a higher level of services to be rendered in a special services area.

SECTION 7‑407.

Limitation of Funds. Upon certification by the COO that the revenues or other resources actually realized with respect to any fund will be less than was anticipated and will be insufficient to meet the amounts appropriated from such fund, it shall be the duty of the COO upon the instruction of the Mayor of the unified government to limit such appropriations as may be necessary to prevent deficit operation.

SECTION 7‑408.

Transfer of Funds. Upon recommendation of the COO and approval of the Mayor, the Board may make interfund or interdepartmental transfers in the current operating budget or capital improvements budget at any regular or special meeting called for such purpose, provided funds are also available.

SECTION 7‑409.

Lapse of Appropriations. All unencumbered balances of appropriations in the current operating budget at the end of the fiscal year shall lapse into the unappropriated surplus or reserves of the fund or funds from which such appropriations were made.

SECTION 7‑410.

Continuing Audit. The Auditor shall conduct a continuing internal audit of the fiscal affairs and operations of every department, office and agency of the unified government.

SECTION 7‑411.

Postaudit. (a) The Board shall provide annually for an independent audit of the accounts and other evidences of financial transactions of the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and of every office, department, board, commission, authority, or other agency.  The audit shall be made by a certified public accountant who shall have no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, or of any of its departments, offices, boards, commissions, authorities, or agencies.  The Board shall by competitive bids, taking into consideration the lowest and best bid, designate such accountant or firm annually or for a period not exceeding three years.

(b) The audit may be conducted on a quarterly or continuing basis and the final report of the annual audit shall be completed as soon as practicable after the close of the fiscal year, and in no event later than six months after the close of the fiscal year.  The audit report shall be filed with the COO and made available to the public.

(c) The Board may at any time order an examination or special audit of any office, department, board, commission, or other agency of Macon-Bibb, Georgia. 

CHAPTER 5 ‑ Procurement and Disposition of Property

SECTION 7‑501.

Contracting Procedures. The Board shall prescribe by ordinance rules and regulations which must be followed in the making of contracts in order to bind the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia.  Except where otherwise provided by law or by ordinance, all contracts of the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be signed by the Mayor and authenticated by the COO.

SECTION 7‑502.

Sale and Disposition of Property. (a) The Board is authorized to sell any real or personal property owned or held by Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and not needed for governmental or other public purposes in such manner as is required in state law for counties, as provided for in Code Sections 36‑9‑2 and 36‑9‑3 of the O.C.G.A.

(b) The Board is empowered to authorize the following transactions:

(1) A transfer of any real or personal property owned by Macon-Bibb, Georgia, to another governmental entity upon finding that such transfer is in the public interest;

(2) A sale of any such property to another governmental entity; and
(3) An exchange of such property for property that is owned privately or by some other governmental entity.

In each instance, whether the property is transferred, sold, or exchanged, the requirements of a public sale shall not be required; but a statement thereof shall be published in the newspaper designated as the legal organ of the unified government once a week for the two weeks preceding the day in which such transaction is to be concluded.  Such statement shall contain a description of the property or properties involved and the prices and estimated values as to each item of property.

(c)  Macon-Bibb, Georgia, may quitclaim any rights it may have in property not needed for public purposes upon a report by the COO of the unified government and the adoption by the Board of a resolution, both finding that the property is not needed for public purposes and that the interest of the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, therein has no readily ascertainable monetary value.

(d) Whenever in opening, extending, or widening any street, avenue, alley, or public place of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, a small parcel or tract of land is cut off or separated by such work from a larger tract of land owned by Macon-Bibb, Georgia, the Board may authorize the execution and deliverance in the name of the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, of a deed conveying said cut‑off or separated parcel or tract of land to an abutting or adjoining property owner or owners in exchange for rights of way in said street, avenue, alley, or public place, or in settlement of any alleged damages sustained by said abutting or adjoining property owner. All deeds and conveyances so executed and delivered shall convey all title and interest the government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, has in such property. 

ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 8‑101.

Application of Laws; Laws in Force. (a) The general laws of the State of Georgia of a criminal nature shall be applicable to and within the limits of the unified government.  General laws of local application through classification by population, not in conflict with this charter:

(1) Which on the effective date of this charter apply to the City of Macon or Bibb County, Georgia, shall be applicable to the unified government; and

(2) Which apply to Macon-Bibb, Georgia as either a city or a county at the time of their enactment or thereafter shall be effective; but those which did not apply to the City of Macon or Bibb County or the unified government at the time of their enactment shall not become applicable to the unified government except through the adoption of a resolution to that effect by the Board.

(b) Local Acts of the State of Georgia which apply specifically to either Bibb County or the City of Macon, or both, shall be applicable to the unified government.

(c) In construing the applicability of provisions of the Constitution and the general laws of Georgia which apply in general terms to either counties or municipalities, or both, and local Acts of the General Assembly that apply specifically to Bibb County or the City of Macon, or both, the following terms as used in such laws shall be construed to include the unified government as follows:

(1) "County" shall be construed to include Macon-Bibb, Georgia;

(2) "City," "town," "municipal corporation," or "municipality" shall be construed to include Macon-Bibb, Georgia;

(3) "Commissioners of Roads and Revenues" and "Board of County Commissioners" shall be construed to include the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia;

(4) "Council," "Mayor and Council," "Aldermen," and "Board of Aldermen" shall be construed to include the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia;

(5) "Chairman of the Commissioners of Roads and Revenues" and "Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners" shall be construed to include the Mayor of Macon-Bibb, Georgia;

(6) "Mayor" shall be construed to include the Mayor of Macon-Bibb, Georgia; and

(7) Any other terms and provisions as used in such Acts to refer specifically to Bibb County or the City of Macon, or both, and the officers, employees, departments, and agencies thereof shall be construed to mean Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and its officers, employees, departments, and agencies.

(d) In construing the applicability of laws in force to the unified government, the following order shall prevail:

(1) The Constitution of the State of Georgia;

(2) The general laws of uniform application now in force or hereafter enacted by the General Assembly (as distinguished from general laws of local application through classification by population) applicable to municipal corporations or counties, or both;

(3) The general laws of local application through classification by population as and to the extent provided in subsection (a) of this section;

(4) Special laws applicable to Bibb County, not in conflict with this charter;

(5) Special laws applicable to the City of Macon, not in conflict with this charter;

(6) This charter and all ordinances and resolutions passed pursuant thereto; and

(7) Existing ordinances and resolutions of the former City of Macon and existing ordinances and resolutions of the former County of Bibb not in conflict with this charter.

SECTION 8‑102.

Limitation on Claims and Service. (a) All contractual claims against the unified government shall be presented within 12 months after they accrue or become payable or the same as claimed, unless held by minors or other persons laboring under disabilities, who are allowed 12 months after the removal of such disability.

(b) Service on the unified government of any suit, process, or order of court shall be served upon the Mayor.

SECTION 8‑103.

Tort and Nuisance Liability. The tort and nuisance liability of the unified government shall follow the law and rules of tort liability applicable to counties in Georgia.

SECTION 8‑104.

Conflict of Laws. For purposes of all applicable laws, the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall constitute a municipality and a county, or both.  Except as otherwise provided by this charter, if a law applicable to municipalities and the same or another law applicable to counties are in conflict, the law applicable to municipalities shall prevail.

SECTION 8‑105.

Competitive Bidding. All departments and agencies of the unified government must utilize competitive bidding procedures, as specified in an ordinance of the Board, for all purchases in excess of an amount provided for in an ordinance of the Board, unless such purchase shall be otherwise approved by six of the nine Commissioners.

SECTION 8‑106.

Execution of Assessments. Whenever any tax or special assessment is authorized or empowered to be levied or imposed by this charter which is required to be collected by the unified government and such is not paid within the time period specified by the Board and no specific provision is elsewhere provided in this charter for its collection, then the COO shall issue execution in the name of Macon-Bibb, Georgia against such person, firm, or entity liable therefor or property subject thereto for such sums as may be due with interest at the legal rate from due date, and penalties and costs. The unified government shall have the right to enforce payment of such execution by levy and sale as in the case of county taxes, and the purchaser at such sale shall acquire the same title and rights as a purchaser at a sale for county taxes.  Executions issued by the COO of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and the levy and sale thereunder shall be governed by general law.

SECTION 8‑107.

Authority to Deal with Federal and State Agencies. The unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall have the power and authority to participate in, cooperate in, and take all necessary action with respect to any and all projects, programs and undertakings of any nature authorized by any statute, rule, or regulation of the United States, the State of Georgia, or any federal or state agency or instrumentality, including but not limited to community development, highways, aviation, aviation terminals, airports, airport facilities, municipal area or regional development, sewer and sewage disposal, public housing, housing for the aged, and transportation or mass transit or any phase thereof; to borrow money and issue promissory notes, general obligation bonds, or revenue bonds or a combination thereof for any such purposes in accordance with provisions of this charter; and to execute mortgages or deeds of trust in favor of any federal agency, secured by property of which the unified government is the legal or beneficial or equitable owner, or in favor of any private agency where the loan is guaranteed by a federal agency.

SECTION 8‑108.

Federal and State Aid. The unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall be deemed a county but shall also be deemed an incorporated city or municipality for the purpose of determining its right to receive and for the purpose of receiving state aid or grant‑in‑aid from the state of Georgia or from the United States or from any agency or instrumentality thereof or from any other source, public or private.  The unified government shall be entitled to receive as state aid or as grant‑in‑aid from the State of Georgia or from the United States or from any agency or instrumentality thereof or from any other source, public or private, all funds to which a county is, or may hereafter be, entitled, and also all funds to which an incorporated city or municipality is or may be hereafter entitled, and to receive the same without diminution or loss by reason of unification.  When state aid or other grant‑in‑aid is distributed to any county on the basis of population or area, or both, then the entire population and the total area of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be considered in calculating and determining the basis for such distribution.  When state aid or other grant‑in‑aid is distributed to any county on the basis of rural area, rural road mileage, or rural population, or any combination thereof, then that area of the general services area outside of the urban services area or areas of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall be deemed to constitute rural area, its road mileage to constitute rural road mileage, and its population to constitute rural population.  When state aid or other grant‑in‑aid is distributed to any incorporated city or municipality on the basis of population or area, or both, then the population or the area of the urban services area or areas of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall be deemed the population and the area used in calculating and determining the basis of such distribution.

SECTION 8‑109.

Budgets of County Officers and Agencies. All elected officers and all agencies not under the direct control and jurisdiction of the COO such as the Board of Health and the Board of Family and Children Services, which receive appropriations from the Board, shall, on the same date as is applicable to budgets submitted by department heads, submit to the COO annual operating and capital budget requests for the ensuing fiscal year.  Such budget requests, after any revisions therein by the COO and the Mayor, shall be incorporated into the overall unified government budget for submission by the Mayor to the Board, which shall grant a hearing to any such officer or agency on such proposed budgets.

SECTION 8‑110.

Existing Pension Rights Protected. (a) Persons who, at the time this charter takes effect, are employed by any office, department, board, commission, or agency of the former City of Macon shall retain all pension rights which have accrued to them under any existing pension system. Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall continue in force and effect any existing pension system for city employees covered thereby who are employed by the unified government, and the services of such employees shall not be deemed to have been interrupted by the adoption of this charter.

(b) Persons who, at the time this charter takes effect, are employed by any office, department, board, commission, or agency of the former County of Bibb shall retain all rights which have accrued to them under any existing pension system.  Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall continue in force and effect any existing pension system for county employees covered thereby who are employed by the unified government, and the services of such employees shall not be deemed to have been interrupted by the adoption of this charter.

SECTION 8‑111.

Establishment of New Pension Systems; Merging of Existing Systems. The Board is hereby authorized and empowered to establish and maintain a new pension system or pension systems affecting new employees and such other employees as desire to be covered thereby and to revise, combine, and consolidate any pension system in effect on the effective date of this charter; provided, however, that in no event shall any revision, combination, or unification of any existing pension system in effect when this charter is adopted result in the curtailment or diminishment of any right accrued under any existing pension system to any person heretofore employed by the City of Macon, Bibb County, or of any agency of such former governments.

SECTION 8‑112.

Amending Charter. This charter may be modified, rescinded, changed, or amended by only the following methods:

(1) An Act of the General Assembly of Georgia; or

(2) An ordinance adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, as provided for in Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.

SECTION 8‑113.

Fidelity Bonds. All officers of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, both elected and appointed, shall execute such official bonds in such amounts and upon such terms and conditions as the law or the Board may require.

SECTION 8‑114.

Examples of Powers. The powers of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following powers:

(1) Ad valorem taxation:  to levy, assess, and collect ad valorem taxes on all taxable property;

(2) Other taxes:  to levy, assess, and collect other taxes allowed by general law and in accordance therewith;

(3) Business regulation and taxation:  to levy, assess, and collect occupation taxes and to license and regulate occupations and businesses.

(4) Appropriations:  to make appropriations and expend funds for support of the unified government and any other lawful purpose;

(5) Debts:  to borrow money and issue bonds as authorized by general law;

(6) Property:  to own property and interests in property;

(7) Gifts:  to accept gifts and grants for any purpose related to the powers and duties of the unified government on such terms as the donor may impose;

(8) Condemnation:  to condemn property inside the unified government for present or future use;

(9) Public utilities:  to acquire, lease, operate, and dispose of public utilities;

(10) Franchises:  to grant franchises or make contracts for public utilities and to prescribe the conditions of such franchises and contracts;

(11) Roadways:  to open, maintain, improve, and close streets and roads and to grant franchises and rights of way thereon;

(12) Public facilities:  to acquire, operate, and dispose of public buildings, public projects, parks, cemeteries, recreational facilities, and other public improvements inside the unified government;

(13) Building regulation:  to regulate the building trades and the construction of buildings and to adopt and enforce building, housing, plumbing, electrical, gas, heating, and air‑conditioning codes;

(14) Planning and zoning:  to adopt land use plans and exercise the power of zoning, subdivision regulation, and the like;

(15) Police power:  to exercise the police power for the public safety and well‑being of the citizens of the unified government;

(16) Roadside regulation:  to prohibit or regulate signs, billboards, and other items upon or adjacent to streets and roads;

(17) Health:  to prescribe and enforce health and sanitation standards;

(18) Pollution:  to regulate emissions which pollute the air and water;

(19) Fire safety:  to fix fire limits and to prescribe and enforce fire safety regulations;

(20) Public hazards:  to provide for the destruction or removal of public hazards;

(21) Waste disposal:  to provide for and regulate the collection, disposal, and recycling of garbage and wastes;

(22) Water and sewer fees:  to fix and collect water and sewer fees;

(23) Garbage fees:  to fix and collect garbage fees;

(24) Nuisances:  to define and provide for the abatement of nuisances;

(25) Property protection:  to preserve and protect the property of the unified government;

(26) Prisoners:  to provide for public work by prisoners and for their confinement;

(27) Animal control: to regulate or prohibit the keeping of animals;

(28) Motor vehicles:  to regulate the operation and parking of motor vehicles;
(29) Taxicabs:  to regulate vehicles operated for hire in the unified government;

(30) Pensions:  to provide and maintain a system of pensions and retirement for employees and officers of the unified government;

(31) Special assessments:  to levy, assess, and collect special assessments to cover the cost of public improvements;

(32) Contracts:  to enter into lawful contracts and agreements;

(33) Agencies:  to create, alter, or abolish departments, boards, offices, commissions, authorities, and agencies of the unified government and to confer appropriate authority upon them;

(34) Penalties:  to provide penalties for violations of ordinances of the unified government;

(35) Police and fire protection:  to exercise the power of arrest through appointed policemen and to operate a fire department;

(36) Emergencies:  to provide for the determination, proclamation, and combating of emergencies;

(37) Urban redevelopment:  to organize and operate an urban redevelopment program;

(38) Public transportation:  to organize and operate public transportation systems; and

(39) General health, safety, and welfare:  to define, regulate, and prohibit any act, practice, conduct, or use of property which is detrimental to the health, sanitation, cleanliness, welfare, and safety of the inhabitants of the unified government.

SECTION 8‑115.

Provision of Services. When determining services to be provided, the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall always attempt:

(1) To efficiently allocate resources to increase the quality of life for all citizens of Macon-Bibb;

(2) To provide the highest quality services to all citizens of Macon-Bibb;

(3) To ensure efficient utilization of community resources;

(4) To promote equity for all citizens in the delivery of governmental services throughout Macon-Bibb; and

(5) To recognize and consider the advantages of the provision of services through contractual arrangements with other governments and private enterprises.

SECTION 8‑116.

Historic Items. It shall be the responsibility of the unified government to collect, preserve, and display documents and other items of historical significance to the City of Macon and Bibb County. 

SECTION 8‑117.

Section Captions. The captions to the several sections of this charter are informative only and are not be construed as a part thereof.

SECTION 8‑118.

Effect of Repeals. No law heretofore repealed, expressly or by implication, shall be revived by the repeal herein of the repealing Act or by any provision of this charter that disclaims an intention to repeal or affect enumerated laws.

SECTION 8‑119.

Severability Clause. If any provision of this charter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this charter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this charter are declared to be severable.

SECTION 8‑120.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this charter are hereby repealed. 

ARTICLE IX
TRANSITION PROVISIONS

SECTION 9‑101.

Special Election of First Officials. (a) A special election shall be held on a date fixed by the board of elections, but not later than 60 days following the date of approval of this charter as provided in Section 9‑115 of this charter, for the purpose of electing the first Mayor and members of the Board of Commissioners of the unified  government.  The board of elections shall publish notice of the call for such election in the newspaper in which the Bibb County Sheriff's advertisements appear at least 30 days prior to the date of such election.  Candidates may qualify until 15 days before the date of the election.

(b) In all other respects, the election shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the O.C.G.A., the "Georgia Election Code."  Within 30 days following the approval of this charter as provided in Section 9‑115 of this charter, the Board of Elections of Bibb County shall prepare a list of qualified voters for each of the nine commission districts described in Appendix A of this charter.  The officials elected at such election shall commence the term of their office on the effective date of this charter.

(c) The qualifications for office for such initial election shall be as prescribed by applicable provisions of this charter.

(d) Any elected official of Bibb County or of any municipality lying wholly or partially therein and who is otherwise qualified under this charter shall be entitled to qualify and run for an office of the unified government.

SECTION 9‑102.

Initial Terms of Office. The initial terms of the first Commissioners of the unified government elected from the odd‑numbered districts shall be for four years.  The initial terms of the first Commissioners of the unified government elected from even‑numbered districts shall be for two years.  After the initial elections, all Commissioners shall be elected for four‑year terms.

SECTION 9‑103.

Provision of Services During Transition. In order to unify the two governments and to assure the common and continued administration of services currently provided by both the City of Macon and Bibb County, the following procedures shall apply:

(1) On the effective date of the new unified government, all services currently provided by the county shall be provided through the general services area to all residents of the county and all services provided by the city shall be provided through the urban services area to the current residents of the City of Macon.  Assuming the continued availability of state and federal funds, these service arrangements shall apply until modified as provided under the provisions cited below;

(2)  Within two years of the effective date of this charter the unified government shall adopt a uniform residential rate for water and sewer services throughout Macon-Bibb.  During the first year a rate study shall be made, and the equalization of rates shall be begun following completion of the rate study.  Equalization of water and sewer rates shall be completed within two years of the effective date of this charter;

(3) Within four years of the effective date of this charter the unified government shall adopt a service delivery plan that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(A) A capital improvements plan to provide water and sewer services to all residents of the county;

(B) An administrative mechanism with appropriate status and adequate budget to develop and implement a comprehensive program of human and economic development.  The program shall be responsible for identifying problems and needs that exist in the community and for identifying and securing resources needed to effectively address these problems and needs.  The program shall encourage efforts to enable, empower, and involve the disadvantaged; address the causes of crime; work to enhance the quality of life of all citizens; and to help ensure that the unified government will be responsive to the needs of all citizens; and

(C) An administrative mechanism with appropriate status and adequate budget to develop and implement adequate parks and recreation programs that will be available to all citizens of Macon-Bibb; and

(4) The unified government shall work with due speed to equalize the charges for all services throughout the county.

SECTION 9‑104.

Protection and Compensation of Existing Employees. (a) All full‑time employees of the City of Macon and Bibb County and all full‑time employees of any department, office, or agency thereof shall, upon the termination of said city and county governments and the inception of the unified government, become employees of the unified government or of a department, office, or agency thereof and shall be assigned to duties as similar in nature as may be practicable within said government.

(b) No permanent full‑time employee of the City of Macon or Bibb County shall lose a position or suffer any diminution of compensation resulting from the adoption of this charter.  The definition of compensation includes, but is not limited to, salary, insurance and retirement benefits, annual and sick leave, and rights provided by a merit system.

(c) Within 12 months of the effective date of this charter the unified government shall have begun implementation of a plan that ensures that all employees performing the same functions and having the same responsibilities receive uniform compensation by the end of the fourth  year of operation of the unified government.  This requirement that there be a uniform level of compensation throughout Macon-Bibb by the end of the fourth year does not require that there be any freeze on employee compensation.

(d) Elimination of the duplication of functions shall be addressed through attrition and reassignment.  Therefore, no permanent full‑time employee of the City of Macon or Bibb County at the time of unification shall suffer any reduction of compensation resulting from the adoption of this charter.

(e) No person shall be appointed to, removed from, or in any way favored or discriminated against with respect to any position in the unified government because of race, gender, religion, age, handicap, or national origin.

SECTION 9‑105.

Effective Date of Charter. This charter shall become effective on _________ or upon the election of a Mayor and Board of Commissioners for Macon-Bibb and their taking office as the governing authority of the unified government, whichever occurs last.

SECTION 9‑106.

Initial Budget. (a) Until July 1, (year), Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall operate under the funds remaining from the fiscal year (year of unification)  of the combined budgets of the City of Macon and Bibb County.

(b) The first full 12 month budget of the unified government (dates) shall not exceed an amount equal to the combined (year) fiscal year general operating budgets of the City of Macon and Bibb County, plus increases due to inflation as specified in figures (Consumer Price Index)  from the United States government, (but not including capital road improvement and other special revenue funds).

SECTION 9‑107.

Number of Employees. From the effective date of this charter until (specify date) the total number of employees of Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall not exceed the combined number of employees authorized for the governments of the City of Macon and Bibb County on the effective date of this charter except as otherwise mandated by law.

SECTION 9‑108.

Cooperation of Former Governments. (a) All officers, officials, and employees of the former City of Macon and Bibb County shall cooperate with and assist the Mayor, the Board, the Chief Operating Officer, and other officers of Macon-Bibb, Georgia:

(1) In planning the unification of departments, boards, commissions, and agencies of said former governments and in transferring the functions, duties, and responsibilities of such departments, boards, commissions, authorities, and agencies to the appropriate agencies of the unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia; and
(2) In all other respects in order that the transfer of the governments be accomplished in the most orderly manner possible.  The officers of the unified government shall be entitled to examine all records, files, and other data in the possession of the former governments and of all officers, officials, employees, and departments thereof.  The former governments shall, to the extent possible, provide working areas and facilities for the officers of the unified government.

(b) A schedule for activity during the transition period is contained in Appendix B, attached to and made a part of this charter.

SECTION 9‑109.

Existing Ordinances and Resolutions Continued in Effect. (a) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, existing ordinances and resolutions of the Commission of Bibb County and existing rules and regulations of county departments or agencies, not inconsistent with the provisions of this charter, shall continue in effect as ordinances, resolutions, rules, or regulations of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, or the appropriate department or agency thereof until they have been repealed, modified, or amended.

(b) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, existing ordinances and resolutions of the City of Macon, not inconsistent with the provisions of this charter, shall continue in effect as ordinances and resolutions of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, and shall apply only to the area included within the urban services area until they have been repealed, modified, or amended.

(c) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, in the event of a conflict between any of the ordinances or resolutions continued by this section, the provisions thereof shall apply only to the territory of the unified government that such ordinance or resolution applied prior to the effective date of this charter and until such ordinance or resolution is repealed, changed, or amended to eliminate the conflict.

(d) Twenty-four months after the effective date of this charter, all ordinances and resolutions shall apply uniformly throughout the area of the unified government.  Prior to this date, the Board shall review all ordinances and resolutions and take whatever action is needed to remove any conflicts between ordinances and resolutions continued by this section in order to produce a uniform body of ordinances and resolutions, free of any conflicts or contradictions between such provisions.

SECTION 9‑110.

Contracts and Obligations. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all contracts, orders, leases, bonds, and other obligations or instruments entered into by Bibb County or for its benefit prior to the effective date of this charter shall continue in effect according to the terms thereof as obligations and rights of the unified government; provided, however, any obligation created by Bibb County to become effective after the date of approval of this charter and prior to the effective date of this charter shall be subject to ratification and approval by the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia within six months following the effective date of this charter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this charter, contracts, orders, leases, bonds, and other obligations or instruments entered into by the City of Macon or for its benefit prior to the effective date of this charter, shall continue in effect according to the terms thereof as obligations and rights of the unified government; provided, however, any obligation created by the City of Macon to become effective after the date of approval of this charter and prior to the effective date of this charter shall be subject to ratification and approval by the Board of Commissioners of Macon-Bibb, Georgia within six months following the effective date of this charter.

(c) No pending action or proceeding of any nature (whether civil, criminal, judicial, administrative, or other) by or against the City of Macon or Bibb County or an agency or department thereof shall be abated or otherwise affected by the adoption of this charter, and Macon-Bibb, Georgia shall stand substituted as a party in lieu thereof.

SECTION 9‑111.

Dissolution of Existing Governments. On the effective date of this charter, the Commission of Bibb County and the Mayor and Council of the City of Macon and all the officers thereof and the offices thereof not continued under this charter are abolished, and all emoluments appertaining thereto shall cease.  Thereupon, the governments of Bibb County and the City of Macon shall terminate as separate political entities and all powers, functions, duties, and obligations thereof shall be transferred to and vested in the unified government created by this charter.

SECTION 9‑112.

Transfer of Records and Equipment. When an agency of the City of Macon or of Bibb County is abolished or unified by this charter, all books, papers, maps, charts, plans, records, other equipment, and personal property in possession of the same shall be delivered to the agency to which its rights, powers, duties, and obligations are transferred.

SECTION 9‑113.

Officers Serve Until Successors Qualify. Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter, any officer performing duties under the government of the City of Macon or Bibb County may continue to perform the duties thereof until a successor, whether under the same title or office of another, shall be elected or appointed and qualified to perform the duties, it being the intention hereof that no duty or service shall lapse or be abandoned because of lack of an officer to perform same.

SECTION 9‑114.

Changes Required by the U.S. Department of Justice After Adjournment of the General Assembly. (a) In order to ensure that a referendum on the question of the creation of Macon-Bibb will be held on the earliest possible date, the General Assembly, as provided in Article IX, Section III, Paragraph II(a) of the Constitution of the State of Georgia, hereby authorizes the original 15 member Macon-Bibb Unification Commission for Better Government, in consultation with the members of the Bibb County legislative delegation, the power to amend the charter to satisfy any required changes raised by the United States Department of Justice after the adjournment of the _____ session of the General Assembly.

(b) If any member of the Macon-Bibb Unification Commission for Better Government is unable to participate in such an effort for any reason, including but not limited to death, illness, unwillingness, or nonresidency in Bibb County, the remaining members shall select a citizen of Bibb County to assume the vacant position.

SECTION 9‑115.

Referendum on the Charter. (a) Not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after receipt of the certified copy of the proposed charter and after receipt of approval by the Department of Justice of such proposed charter, it shall be the duty of the Bibb County Board of Elections to call a special election for approval or rejection of the proposed charter.  The board shall set the date of the election for a day not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the issuance of the call.  The board shall cause the date and purpose of the election to be published once a week for two calendar weeks immediately preceding the date thereof in the official legal organ of Bibb County.  The ballot shall have written or printed thereon the following:

      "( ) YES   Shall the charter unifying the governments of the City of Macon and Bibb
        ( ) NO    County and creating a single county-wide government to supersede and
                      replace those governments be approved?"

(b) All persons desiring to vote for approval of the charter shall vote "YES," and those persons desiring to vote for rejection of the charter shall vote "NO."  If more than one‑half of the votes cast by the qualified voters of Bibb County residing within the corporate limits of the City of Macon are for approval of the charter and if more than one‑half of the total votes cast by all the qualified voters of Bibb County are for approval of the charter, then the charter shall become effective.  Otherwise, it shall be void and of no force and effect.  The expense of such election shall be borne equally by the City of Macon and Bibb County.

(c) The special election shall be conducted pursuant to Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the O.C.G.A., the "Georgia Election Code," except to the extent specifically provided otherwise by this Act.

(d) A qualified voter, as used herein, shall mean a voter of Bibb County qualified to vote for members of the General Assembly of Georgia.  The board shall certify the returns to the Secretary of State.  The board shall also furnish a certified copy of the charter to the Secretary of State.  The Secretary of State shall issue a proclamation showing and declaring the result of the election on the approval or rejection of the charter.  One copy of the proclamation shall be attached to the copy of the charter certified to the Secretary of State.  One copy of the proclamation shall be delivered to the clerk of the governing authority of the City of Macon who shall attach the same to the copy of the charter previously certified to him or her.  One copy of the proclamation shall be delivered to the clerk of the governing authority of Bibb County who shall attach the same to the copy of the charter previously certified to him or her.

(e) Whenever a charter for the unification of the governments of the City of Macon and Bibb County has been accepted, the above‑certified copies thereof, with the proclamation of the Secretary of State of Georgia attached thereto, shall be deemed duplicate original copies of the charter of the unified government for all purposes.  The certified copy of the charter and proclamation deposited with the clerk of the governing authority of the City of Macon and the certified copy of the charter and proclamation deposited with the clerk of the governing authority of Bibb County shall subsequently be delivered by them to the successor government.  The successor government may issue certified copies of the charter and any copy so certified shall be deemed a duplicate original copy of the charter of the unified government for all purposes.  The Secretary of State is authorized to issue certified copies of the charter on file, and copies so certified shall be deemed duplicate original copies of the charter of the unified government for all purposes.

Appendix A

For the purpose of electing the ten members of the Board from commissioner districts, the territory of Macon-Bibb shall be divided into the following districts, which are described by the use of census terms:  

(List of districts)

For the purposes of this appendix:

(1) The terms "Tract," "Census Tract," "Block Group," and "Block" shall mean and shall describe the same geographical boundaries as provided in the report of the Bureau of the Census for the United States decennial census of 1980 for the State of Georgia.

(2) Any part of Macon-Bibb, Georgia, which is not included in any district described in this appendix shall be included within that district contiguous to such part which contains the least population according to the United States decennial census of 1980 for the State of Georgia. 

Appendix B
Transition Schedule and Plan

The following four‑stage transition plan shall govern the implementation of this Act:

Stage 1: Referendum on Charter to Initial Election
Upon approval of unification, a transition team shall be formed.  The transition team will be appointed and charged with anticipating implementation responsibilities, issues, and opportunities related to the unification of the two governments.  Their effort will involve collecting data, assembling facts, and presenting options to the unified government officials when they take office.  The transition team does not have any decision making power and will serve in an advisory function to the new government until such time as the newly elected officials assume the responsibilities described below.

The transition team shall consist of:  the county administrator; the city administrator; one appointee of the mayor of the City of Macon who shall not be an elected official nor an employee of the City of Macon; one appointee of the Chairman of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners who shall not be an elected official nor an employee of Bibb County; one individual appointed by the Mayor of Payne City who shall not be an elected official or an employee of the city; and two members of the charter commission selected by the charter commission, one of whom shall serve as chair of the transition team.

Stage 2: Initial Election to January 1, _____ . 

The newly elected government assumes limited powers to plan for new government.  During this time, the Mayor and Board may exercise the following powers:

(a) Begin preparation for the appointment of the COO, Attorney, and Auditor;

(b) Hold meetings, establish committees, plan the establishment of boundaries of the general and urban services districts, and plan for and schedule the initial organization of the unified government in accordance with the applicable provisions of this charter.  The Mayor and Board shall be authorized to receive and expend appropriations from the Macon City Council and the Bibb County Board of Commissioners for the purposes of performing its responsibilities as provided herein;

(c) Initiation of the preparation of the initial budget of the unified government;

(d) Begin preparation of plans and schedules for the unification of the various departments and agencies of the City of Macon and Bibb County;

(e) All officers, officials, and employees of the City of Macon and Bibb County shall cooperate and assist the Mayor, Board and other officers of the unified government in planning for and scheduling the unification of departments, boards, and commissions of said former governments, and in transferring functions, duties, and responsibilities of such departments, boards, commissions, and agencies to the appropriate agencies of the unified government and in all other respects in order that the transfer of the governmental and corporate functions of the former governments shall be accomplished in the most orderly manner possible.  The Mayor, Board, and officers of the unified government shall be entitled to examine all records, files, and other data in possession of the former governments and all officers, officials, and employees thereof.  The former governments shall, to the extent possible, provide working areas and facilities to the transition team and the newly elected Mayor and Board of the unified government.

Stage 3: ____________ to ___________

The unified government of Macon-Bibb, Georgia takes office operating under the combined city and county budgets subject to the budget and employee caps specified above.  The unified government budget for ____  is prepared.  During this period the government would begin combining operations.

Stage 4: ____________ to ____________

The unified government begins operation under the first unified government budget.  The budget for this fiscal year, _____ , shall be capped by combining the_____ budgets of the city and county, plus increases due to inflation, as reflected in the Consumer Price Index.