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VERIFY: Who has oversight over Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority spending?

Commissioners and Georgia law say the Authority has its own power over finances and agreements

We’re taking a closer look at troubles at the Macon Bibb County Industrial Authority, which is asking contractors to repay nearly $2 million for work they say was never completed.

They allege the money was paid to contractors connected to former chairman Cliffard Whitby.

On Facebook, some of you asked who's got oversight over the authority and whether Mayor Robert Reichert and commissioners are responsible.

13WMAZ set out to Verify who's in charge at the authority and where the money comes from.

The General Assembly created the Macon Bibb County Industrial Authority in 1962.

According to Georgia Law:

  • The Authority has the power to control all of its own properties and assets as well as execute agreements.
  • They also can sell, convey, mortgage, pledge and assign any and all of its funds or properties.

You can read the original resolution that created the Authority here.

District Three Commissioner Elaine Lucas says the County Commission does not have authority over the MBCIA’s daily business.

“In the general run of the mill day to day operations, and most of the contracts, the Industrial Authority can act on their own,” Lucas says.

District Four Commissioner Mallory Jones agreed, saying the Commission's influence over the Authority is limited.

“None of that comes across our desk, the only thing we do is approve the Mayor's appointment of personnel who serve at the industrial authority,” Jones says.

So, we Verified that Bibb County Mayor and Commission do not have oversight over the Authority's day to day operations.

But, Jones says even though the Authority can operate on its own, the recent allegations of improper billing deserve a full investigation.

“It's two million dollars, that money belongs to Macon Bibb County, the people of this community. So, corruption, swindling, dishonesty, is never acceptable,” Jones told 13WMAZ.

And Commissioner Lucas agreed.

“We, as a legislative body, have to do a better job of looking at how moneys are spent, because ultimately it is always taxpayer's money whether it comes directly from us, Macon Bibb's government, or whether it comes from an authority,” Lucas says.

Lucas and Jones explained that in special circumstances the Industrial Authority can bring contracts to the County for approval if they need special tax incentives or additional funding.

In the 2018 budget, Bibb County gave the MBCIA $528,000 for general operations and another $350,000 for land purchases and development.

VERIFY SOURCES

Elaine Lucas, District Three Commissioner

Mallory Jones, District Four Commissioner

VERIFY RESOURCES

Georgia Code

Bibb County Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

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