🌱 City Budget Proposal + Teens Arrested In Macon For Stolen Car Chase

Hello, neighbors. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Macon Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A couple of heavy t-storms. High: 71 Low: 62.
• Friday: Low clouds and warmer. High: 79 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories in Macon today:

1. On Tuesday evening, May 16, Macon Mayor Lester Miller proposed more than $203.8 million for the 2024 fiscal year city budget with increases for safety, development, and beautification. The mayor also expects a "historically lower millage rate," which will result in lower property taxes for the fourth year in a row. On Jun. 6, there will be a public hearing on the proposal. The commission will vote on the budget proposal on Jun. 20. (wgxa.tv)
2. The Bibb County Sheriff's Office said two teens were arrested in Macon for driving a stolen vehicle and leading deputies on a high-speed chase. At the intersection of Mercer University Drive and Bloomfield Drive, deputies spotted a Chevrolet Malibu that had been reported stolen. The deputies pursued the fleeing teens, who later bailed out of the vehicle on Westminister Drive and were arrested. (wgxa.tv)
3. What happens after a vacant home is demolished in Macon-Bibb County's "fight against blight?" Habitat For Humanity helps build affordable houses on empty lots and has already built multiple homes on Lynmore Estates. The county has demolished more than 500 blighted structures and the property is then used to build affordable housing, tackling two of the county's problems. (13 WMAZ)

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Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Thursday, May 18

• The Beach Boys At Macon City Auditorium (7:30 PM)

Friday, May 19

• "Steel Magnolias" At The Grand Opera House (7:00 PM)
• Mark Johnson At The Brickhouse Pub & Grub (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Monday, May 15, the owners of a popular downtown Macon store, 7th Street Salvage gift store on Second Street, announced its closing. The store will reopen on Thursday, May 18, through Saturday, May 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for final sales. All inventory will be liquidated, with the exception of candles. (wgxa.tv)
• Two local shelters, Macon-Bibb County Animal Shelter and Bondable Pups, are offering free pet adoptions for the month of May! Those interested can fill out an application at Bibb Animal Services. (13 WMAZ)
• Are you on the lookout for a new place to live or interested in what else is out there in your area? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Macon area, including a four-bedroom on Corbin Avenue for $125,000. (Macon Patch)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!