Dozens of employees from the Medical Center in Macon showed up at the Bibb County Commission meeting on Thursday to protest cuts to the hospital. The county's proposed 2010 budget removes nearly 75-percent of funding for indigent care. That amounts to nearly 3-million dollars. Officials with the Medical Center claim indigent care will cost them about 17-million dollars next year. Last year the Medical Center laid off more than 200 employees and they warn more layoffs could come if they do not get more funding. Some commissioners suggested the Medical Center dip into their reserves of 3-400 million dollars to cover any shortfalls.
Officials say a federal cease and desist order against Colonial Bank will have no effect on day-to-day operations. The FDIC order imposes more federal oversight and management and requires the bank to take steps to increase capital and decrease problem loans. Colonial Bank has three branches in Macon and one in Warner Robins. Macon-based Security Bank has been under a similar order since April.
Last night strong storms moved through some parts of middle Georgia bringing high winds. In Washington County some people lost power after winds took down trees and power lines. Damage was also reported in Johnson, Peach, Monroe, and Bibb counties. Power has been restored to most customers.
