The Macon County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 12 approved a financing package authorizing special‑obligation bonds to fund construction of landfill Cells 2A/2B and, separately, voted 5–0 to award a construction contract to FM Kitchen's Construction Services for $8,411,889.

Jimmy Pecu, interim solid‑waste director, told the board the Local Government Commission had reviewed and approved the financing presentation and recommended the county proceed with the bond issuance and bid award to secure capacity at the county landfill. "So tonight, my recommendation to you would be to approve the financing package and adopt the bond order authorizing issuance of those special obligation bonds," Pecu said during the meeting.

The board debated timing and alternatives at length. Commissioners and staff warned the landfill could reach practical capacity as soon as June or July of next year unless the county accelerates construction or adopts temporary transfer strategies. Several commissioners said they were reluctant to consume large tracts of county land for a landfill without concurrently developing plans for transfer stations, recycling, or other ways to reduce the waste stream.

Commissioners asked staff to return to the budget process with a multi‑year plan that models hauling costs, tipping fees and options for a hybrid model (partial hauling from Highlands) and for a transfer station. Staff said they plan to pursue Department of Environmental Quality grants focused on recycling and waste‑stream management and examine fee structures (for example, higher charges for mattresses) to preserve landfill airspace.

The board moved separately to award the construction bid for Cell 2A/2B, contingent on verification of contractor licensure and qualifications. That measure passed 5–0.

What happens next: staff said the first debt service payment would not be due until October 2026 and that they would continue to pursue grant funding and financial planning to limit rate shock to residents. The county also directed staff to return with additional analyses on transfer‑station feasibility and long‑range landfill capacity planning.