Macon's two state senators say they've reached an agreement on plans to merge Macon and Bibb County.

Democrat Robert Brown and Republican Cecil Staton heldi an Atlanta news conference Tuesday to discuss Brown's bill. Staton says Brown has agreed to make changes to reflect his concerns.

He says he'll now join Brown in pushing for the bill.

Macon and Bibb would vote in November 2012, the next presidential election, Brown said.

Staton says Brown has made changes in the bill to ensure that the combined cost of city and county government will gradually drop -- by 5 percent in the first year and by 20 after four years.

Consolidation "has got to result in savings for taxpayers," said Staton and provide a new government that is "leaner, more responsive...and costs less."

Some other details of the Staton-Brown agreement:

That's right. I had to get a proper definition of what a 'BLOG' actually is. Sure, I've read a couple. I just needed to be sure.

My first 'Blog', I guess, should be about the excitement that was this weekend's Cherry Blossom events. Thursday, I had not yet attended many of the activities of the past week and a half as I was a part of the huge group of Staff Students and volunteers at Macon State College responsible for making the Balloon Glow come off without a hitch! Though tired, I decided to venture out to Central City to experience some of it for myself.

I arrived in time to see Mighty Mcfly take the stage playing all of the Hits from my High School days and now, the 'old school' songs my son plays in The Middle School Band. After making a couple jokes with my Hipster friends, we all came to the realization that these guys were pretty tough. Anyone that can nail the solos of Neal Schon, and Eddie Van Halen is okay by me!

A church-wide yard sale will be held to benefit victims of the Japanese tsunami / earthquake.

100% of the proceeds go to relief effort.

The sale is April 16 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Mabel White Baptist Church.

Mabel White Baptist Church is at 1415 Bass Rd. in Macon.