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AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a significant move to reshape local governance, Augusta commissioners have taken steps to shift some of their authority to a strong city manager, a decision that could transform how the city operates.
“This is a change we should have implemented years ago,” expressed Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice. “By transitioning from a city administrator to a city manager, I am confident that our government will run more efficiently. Just watch,” she added optimistically.
The proposal was met with divided opinions, yet the commissioners approved it by a narrow 6-to-4 margin. This decision paves the way for state lawmakers to deliberate on amending the city charter, thus establishing a strong city manager governance model.
The process is now set in motion to ensure that the issue will be put to a public vote come November, allowing the citizens of Augusta to have their say.
Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle emphasized the need for this shift, stating, “Our citizens deserve an efficient government. This change places the decision in their hands, empowering them to vote on it.”
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.