Augusta Charter Review Committee Adjourns Without Quorum, Delays Final Vote

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta Charter Review Committee has reached an impasse, closing its final chapter without a conclusive outcome. For the second consecutive day, several members were absent from what was intended to be the committee’s decisive meeting.

The purpose of Friday’s gathering was to finalize amendments to the city’s governing charter and present them to the state legislature for consideration. However, the absence of a quorum left the committee unable to proceed.

Committee Chairperson Marcie Wilhelmi expressed uncertainty, stating, “We have a draft charter that required adjustments and approval from the committee. Unfortunately, that task was not completed. It’s unclear what the next steps will be.”

On Thursday, four committee members—Dr. Sheffie Robinson, Angela Bakos, Frank Lewis, and Augustus Palmer—shared a letter voicing their concerns. They highlighted unresolved issues such as term limits and residency requirements for commissioners. Moreover, they pointed out that alterations had been made to the draft without transparent, officially recorded decisions by the committee.

In the letter, they claim the current document reduces government accountability saying in part:

“We are not accusing any appointed or elected official of malfeasance. However, while the perception of objectivity was intended, the perception of collusion is present in this document. And for that reason, it should not be sent to the State Legislature.”

Wilhelmi disagrees.

“I have different opinions than they do on most of it, and as does our consultants. And so everybody in America is entitled to their own opinions. We do not share them. Clearly. We’re here. They’re not.”

The biggest change recommended by the committee would be moving to a city manager form of government, which the whole committee agreed on.

Thursday night state Representative Mark Newton introduced House Bill 1584 that would add changing Augusta’s form of government to November’s ballot, even though the legislative session will end before lawmakers can vote on changes.

“I think Mark Newton is doing the right thing. He is. He’s doing the right thing and it needs to happen. Most of the counties in Georgia run under city management. There is no reason why Augusta, Georgia, can’t do it,” said District 3 Commissioner, Catherine Smith- Rice.

Senator Max Burns also introduced the same legislation to the Georgia Senate with SB 628.

Commissioner Smith-Rice and Wilhelmi are disappointed with how things ended with the Charter Review Committee.

“If you’re going to be on a committee, you volunteer, show up! You might not like the way it goes- the way the vote goes- but be a part,” Smith-Rice said. “Don’t be a coward and just not show up because it might not go in your favor.”

“It’s unfortunate that it ended the way it did, but it also probably gives us something to stand on when it does come for a referendum that this is Exhibit A and why we need to vote for the charter changes,” said Wilhelmi.

Now it’s up to commissioners to review the committee’s recommended changes and decide whether to accept or amend them.

Senator Mark Newton said even though the deadline the Charter review Committee was trying to meet has passed they can still move things forward.

“It is too late in the session to introduce a full charter replacement this year. However, important progress could be made in the widely supported transition to a county manager form of government,” Newton explained. “House Bill 1584 will allow this important choice to be put before the voters in November of this year and then the citizens of Augusta will decide. This change could bring about vital improvements in clear lines of responsibility and help Augusta to be eligible for grants and other funding that we are currently missing out on.”

Newton added that there is one important hurdle to jump for that to happen.

“In order to get this passed this year, all four current members of the Augusta House delegation need to agree along with two senators that represent Augusta,” he said.

Newton is asking voters to contact each state representative and encourage them to vote for this step.

Photojournalist: Gary Hipps.