BURKE COUNTY, Ga. () –The Burke County Commissioners deciding to on who will be handling the case for Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams at tonight’s meeting.  
 
Last month, the board decided not to settle the sexual harassment case from Brenda Johnson and will take it to court. At their meeting Tuesday night, they authorized Russel Britt, an attorney with Hall Booth, to handle the case on behalf of the county and Sheriff Williams. The county manager tells me that although there are other issues between the commissioners and the sheriff, they have to set those aside. 
 
“It’s a difficult decision for the board,” said Merv Waldrop, Burke County Manager. “The taxpayers want them to be responsible, but they also know that if nobody’s held accountable for their actions, they got to keep on being irresponsible with the taxpayer’s money and with their employees and with the position that they’ve got.” 
 
The commission went into executive session during their meeting. Leaders and the top law enforcer have been at odds over the budget. One community member has been vocal about his feelings regarding what he has seen and heard within the sheriff’s office. 

“It’s a culture in the county now within that department driven by the leadership of bullying and intimidation when they don’t get their way, and he doesn’t get his way,” said Nathan Ford, Community Member. “And that’s just not the American way. That’s just not constitutional. That’s why I felt like I needed to say something the first time, and since then, it just keeps happening and just keeps snowballing the more and more issues with this sheriff.” 

Waynesboro City Councilwoman Albert Anderson says she thinks the sheriff’s office has done a good job protecting the community.

“Nobody is going to love you all the time, but I can respect him for what they do for my community where I live,” said Alberta Anderson, City Council Waynesboro.
 
I reached out to the Burke County Sheriff’s office before the meeting, and they did not comment.