Commission designates Code Enforcement as "public safety" department after heated debate, 5–3

The Macon‑Bibb County Commission voted 5–3 on March 18 to designate the county’s Code Enforcement Department as a public‑safety department, a move commissioners and county attorneys said is intended to extend an existing longevity/incentive pay program to eligible code enforcement employees and to facilitate federal approvals such as FAA drone licensing.

County counsel told the commission the designation adds eligible code officers to the same incentive pay program used for other public‑safety employees and does not change the sheriff’s status as the county’s chief law‑enforcement officer. “This ordinance puts the officers in that department under the same bonus program for the ones that have been here for more than 10 years,” Attorney McNeil said during the discussion.

The vote came after multiple commissioners pressed for details about reporting lines, legal authority and costs. Commissioner Stewart argued the timing and scope merited further review, saying the proposal “also feels like a power grab” and urging a delay so absent district representation could weigh in. Other commissioners raised concerns about public perception and whether planning and zoning or other existing structures would better house code‑related enforcement functions.

County staff said law enforcement powers for post‑certified code officers flow from the sheriff and that the designation does not alter the charter or remove the sheriff’s authority. The county presented estimated incentive pay amounts used in the program: a base incentive of approximately $2,500 for officers at the minimum qualifying service level and higher increments (up to $5,500 at long‑service levels), which the county said would apply equally if code officers meet eligibility criteria.

Supporters said the designation clarifies the county’s record for outside agencies (including the FAA, which the county said requested a formal public‑safety designation to secure a small‑drone program) and recognizes long‑serving code enforcement staff. Opponents cited the consolidated government charter and said they wanted to hear from the sheriff and code‑enforcement leadership in person before changing department status.

The motion to table the item failed; the commission then voted to adopt the resolution 5–3. The ordinance language and official implementation details will be posted with the county clerk following the meeting; commissioners asked staff to provide clarifying materials about the policy’s effect on pension, payroll and reporting structure.

The designation is effective immediately for administrative purposes; the county attorney said any changes that would alter the charter or create new legal authority would require a different process.