AUGUSTA, Ga. – In an effort to address the persistent public relations challenges faced by the government, the charter committee has taken decisive action.

“It’s often said that we need to rebuild public trust, but I contend that we never truly had it to begin with. This initiative is a step toward fostering trust in our officials,” stated Sheffie Robinson, a member of the Charter Review Committee.

To cultivate this trust, the committee has implemented new ethics guidelines and established a citizen panel dedicated to investigating government ethics complaints.

“Whenever there are grievances or issues, it’s crucial to ensure they are addressed with the utmost ethical standards,” emphasized Clint Bryant of the Charter Review Committee.

In response to concerns surrounding municipal spending, the committee has also endorsed the inclusion of a financial watchdog within the charter. This move will create an independent auditor position to scrutinize the allocation of taxpayer funds.

“I think the internal auditor will not necessarily find fraud, but can increase productivity,” said Lee Powell, Charter Review Committee member.

“An attempt to get back to transparency and accountability. You won’t support a tax increase when you think that money is going to be frittered away,” said Charter Committee Chair Marcie Wilhelmi.

But an internal auditor would be a new mandated position, costing the taxpayers.

“The money they will save this government will much more than pay for their department,” said Powell.

The committee is making its move and if state lawmakers and voters agree, these steps to improve ethics and watch over tax dollars will be written into the new city charter.