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Budget standoff: Macon commissioners deadlock over Highlands projects, jail scanner and pay increases
Summary
A proposal to approve the FY2023-24 budget with adjustments failed 3-2 after debate over Highlands school and soccer-field funding, a requested jail body scanner, and employee pay increases. No final budget was adopted; the board recessed to reconvene June 19 for further budget discussion.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners on June 13 debated key items in a proposed roughly $64 million FY2023-24 budget but did not adopt a final budget that night after a contested motion failed 3-2.
Public commenters during the budget hearing urged restoration of the Highlands School project and added Pre-K and childcare capacity in Highlands. Jerry Moore told commissioners there is a waiting list of about 50 children for childcare and Pre-K in Highlands and urged the board to put the Highlands School project back into the budget. Jeff Weller of the Literacy Council urged similar support and urged funding for the Highlands soccer field.
During the board discussion, Commissioner Young proposed removing $500,000 of an $873,658 allocation for the Highlands soccer field and moving the remaining $373,658 to contingency to fund other Highlands needs; that motion was seconded by Commissioner Shields. Commissioner Shearl pushed to add a body scanner for the jail, presenting a quote of about $142,500 for purchase, training, and freight. Chairman Paul Higdon and others debated the appropriate Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees; staff recommended a 3 percent COLA and a 1.5 percent step increase, while Chairman Higdon recommended 2 percent.
When Commissioner Young moved to approve the budget with his proposed adjustments, the motion was defeated on a 3-2 vote: Commissioner Young and Commissioner Shields voted yes; Commissioner Antoine, Chairman Higdon and Commissioner Shearl voted no. No final budget adoption or appropriation occurred during the meeting; the board recessed and planned to reconvene on June 19 to continue budget and broadband discussions.
Why it matters: the budget includes capital projects and personnel costs that shape local services, schools, and public safety. The failed motion leaves key capital questions—particularly Highlands School and sports-field funding—and some proposed safety-related purchases unresolved.
What happens next: the board scheduled a continuation for 6:00 p.m. on June 19 to further consider the FY2023-24 budget and a broadband matter.
