County reviews CDBG rules and approves nine community grants, including $53,077 for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Macon‑Bibb County staff briefed commissioners on the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the county’s local process, then the commission approved a slate of CDBG awards to nonprofits that provide mentoring, counseling, shelter and other services to low‑ and moderate‑income residents.

HUD and local process: Wenzina Jackson, who manages the county’s CDBG activities, explained that Macon‑Bibb is an entitlement community and must create a consolidated plan that identifies needs and programs serving low‑ and moderate‑income households. She reviewed eligibility rules tied to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and described national objectives (benefit to low‑ and moderate‑income people, elimination of slum/blight, or urgent need after a disaster). Jackson explained that public services can be funded but subject to limits (public service max 15% of allocation; administration max 20%), and that eligibility is income‑based (example cited: a family of four with a maximum annual income of $56,550 to qualify as low‑to‑moderate income under the local table presented).

Commissioners asked how often organizations must reapply (Jackson said annual applications and a competitive process), how the county targets and advertises programs, and whether recent federal executive actions could affect funding (staff said they were monitoring national guidance but did not expect immediate disruptions and are coordinating with the school system and other partners).

Awards approved: Following the presentation the commission approved individual CDBG contracts (motions carried and items sent to consent agenda). Approved awards and purposes as presented in the meeting record included: - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia — $53,077 for mentoring services to at‑risk youth. A Big Brothers representative said the regional affiliate currently has 101 active matches in the region and that matched youth typically stay in the program through graduation. - Family Advancement Ministries — $10,140 to provide car seats to families with young children; the organization said information is distributed through partner agencies, its website, flyers and 2‑1‑1 referrals. - Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia — $49,887 for shelter services for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. - Family Counseling Services of Central Georgia — $43,200 for counseling and therapy programs for low‑income families; the agency said about 30% of clients are children and referrals come from clinical and community partners. - Home First Housing Resource Services — $84,700 for homeownership counseling, foreclosure counseling and home‑buyer education; agency said most referrals come from lending partners and housing partners, and it conducts outreach and community events. - Mother’s Nest — $20,394 to provide assistance to new and expecting mothers; the organization described outreach through health clinics, WIC, hospitals, faith groups, United Way and resource directories. - The Mentors Project of Bibb County — $12,400 to provide rent, utilities and food assistance to students and families served by the mentors project.

Staff, speakers, and compliance: Commissioners pressed nonprofit representatives on how clients are referred and how the county verifies income eligibility for CDBG reporting. The Big Brothers representative clarified the agency does not receive DA‑RISE grant funds directly but participates as a partner in referral pathways; the representative also noted federal rules prohibit “double dipping” (charging the same activity to multiple federal grants). Jackson emphasized that many organizations serve more clients than are captureable on federal reimbursement reports because some families decline to provide the required financial documentation.

Other grant action: The panel also authorized acceptance of a 2025 Georgia County Internship Program award from the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation in the amount of $65,819 with a required local match of $4,800 to support internships in the county attorney’s office; the item was approved and sent to the consent agenda.

Ending: Commissioners approved the CDBG awards and related resolutions; staff will execute agreements, monitor compliance, and return to the commission as required by federal reporting rules.