CONYERS — A proposal to add funding for a part-time assistant to Mayor Connie Alsobrook’s office drew sharp public debate and lengthy discussion among Conyers officials during the City Council’s March 4 work session, exposing broader disagreements over the role of the mayor, city staffing structure and how taxpayer dollars should be used.
The request, tabled from the Feb. 4 work session, would add $8,000 to the Mayor and Council contract labor budget account for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Residents who spoke during public comment were split, with some calling the support a practical necessity for a growing city and others arguing the job would duplicate existing staff work and create an unnecessary expense.
Former educator Sue Troth opposed the proposal, saying Conyers’ council-manager form of government has served the city well for decades and that elected officials should make choices about what responsibilities to carry…