Voters in Macon and Bibb County have voted to consolidate their governments. The effort dates back close to 100 years.

Consolidation passed with 57% of the vote. The next step is setting up a transition team to lead the effort. The governments will merge in January of 2014 and reduce the number of elected officials from 21 to 10.

Macon attorney Calder Pinkston led a group in favor of consolidation and spent election night with supporters. He says the real work will take place over the next 16 months.

“This is going to change the future for 100 years. We’re at the mountain top right now. We can see the valley, but there’s a lot of work. There’s a lot of difficult days ahead. We’re going to start in the morning. Thank you, we’re going to speak with one voice.

Other consolidated governments in Georgia include Athens, Columbus and Augusta.

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Tags: GPB, Josephine Bennett, Macon-Bibb consolidation, Macon Bibb Wins Again, 2012 elections