AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta commissioners are ready to turn over some of their power to a strong city manager.
“We’re doing what we should have done couple of years ago, and put the city manager in place instead of a city administrator. I want to say this government will run better, watch,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.Despite some strong opposition, commissioners voted 6 to 4 for state lawmakers to vote to change the city charter to a strong manager form of government.City leaders are moving forward so it can be voted on in November.“Citizens are not getting efficient government. This is the opportunity to put it in the people’s hands. Let them vote on it,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle.The Charter Review Committee has recommended a strong manager form of government, but the committee has not completed its work, with another meeting scheduled even as commissioners vote to act on this single recommendation.“Is this an end run around their product?”
“Not at all. Unanimously, they supported a county manager form of government. This is just one item we address today. The Charter Committee continues its work,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson.The Charter Committee still has motions about the city manager to be voted on, but members feel they services are no longer required.“Our committee is essentially cancelled, which means my motions are cancelled, and I very much doubt that city manager is going to go through as is at this point,” said Angela Bakos, a Charter Review Committee member.The commission is pushing for a city manager, but this vote pushed some members the wrong way.“We’ve consistently rewarded unethical behavior and I hope the voters remember this at the ballot box,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson…