🌱 New Macon Water Authority​​ Ethics Rules + No Bus Fare Increase

Hello, hello! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Macon Patch newsletter. Let's get this weekend started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 78 Low: 47.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories in Macon today:

1. On Thursday, Apr. 20, the Georgia General Assembly approved the new Macon Water Authority ethics rules that Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law. According to the new rules that are now in effect, a Macon Water Authority board member can be removed from office if they run afoul of ethics rules in the future. (13wmaz.)
2. Due to an agreement between Macon-Bibb County and the Macon Transit Authority (MTA), there will not be a bus fare increase this year. The bus fare will remain stable for at least the next year. MTA was proposing a fare hike that could have increased the fare by 50 cents, bringing the total to $1.75. To prevent the increase, commissioners unanimously voted to give the transit authority $375,000. (13wmaz)
3. The Tubman Museum's Pan-African Festival is in full swing this weekend, which began yesterday, Apr. 21, with the Afrocentric Sneaker Ball. The festival will continue today, Apr. 22, at 11 a.m. in the Macon Coliseum parking lot and run through Sunday, Apr. 23. (Macon Telegraph)

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Today in Macon:

• Annual Pan African Festival At Macon Centreplex (11:00 AM)
• Craft Beer Festival At Just Tap’d (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Macon made the list of cities with fast-growing rent for three-bedroom homes. According to a 2023 Dwelling report, Macon ranks No. 7 in the fastest-growing rent prices. (wgxa.tv)
• Earth Day is this weekend! Check out the many events taking place in Macon-Bibb, including the 13th annual Earth Day Festival, Dillards and Origins Macon spa day and yoga, and more. (13wmaz)
• On Apr. 22, help provide Brookdale residents with fresh fruits and veggies all year round! Volunteers can plant seeds at The Gardens at Brookdale from 9-11 a.m. and should bring gloves and water. (Macon+Bibb County via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you soon for another update.

— 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!