The Macon-Bibb County commissioners agreed to advance plans for a Costco warehouse club in North Macon, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs for Maconites. According to a press release, Costco guaranteed at least 175 full-time jobs, with the potential for up to 300.
For Mercer students, this could give plenty of room for new part-time work.
“I know a lot of students work off-campus since it typically pays better and they’re able to get more hours,” Kate Dingman ’28 said. “Working part-time at a Costco near campus seems like a great opportunity for many students.”
It’s also attracting potential college shoppers like Hannah Daily ‘29. “I love Costco," she said. "Having a Costco would give me a significantly better place to shop because it’s cheaper and I could buy in bulk."
“It’s a great day in Macon-Bibb County when we get to bring a new retail option long asked for —and to do it in a way that will help roll back property taxes, bring more jobs, and improve the entire area— all at no additional cost to the people who live here,” Mayor Lester Miller said in a statement.
According to a press release, the arrangement will not rely on existing property tax revenue or the current general fund budgets of the consolidated government, school district or industrial authority. Instead, the project will be paid off by Costco’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement and sales taxes.
The proposed Costco plans include a warehouse store and gas pumps, along with infrastructure improvements intended to accommodate increased traffic along the streets adjacent to the development. According to Macon-Bibb County government officials, improvements could include intersection upgrades, traffic signals, turn lanes and deceleration lanes along New Forsyth Road, Bass Road, Wesleyan Drive and Riverside Drive.
County officials anticipate that additional sales tax revenue could help fund property tax rollbacks, road improvements and educational facilities. The proposed development is expected to attract shoppers from throughout Middle Georgia and beyond, potentially increasing local sales tax revenue.
Miller said Macon-Bibb County’s location along major highways and the interstate system makes it a convenient destination for regional shoppers.
The Industrial Authority and the Bibb County School District approved their portions of the intergovernmental agreement in the two weeks before the commission's vote.
Kaylee Grace Buchanan '29 is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an minor in Religion. When not writing, she enjoys reading, baking and playing tennis. You can also catch her on the pickleball courts jamming out to some music as well.
