Here comes the money: Top 20 highest paid employees in Augusta's local government
Thousands of people are employed by the City of Augusta serving in a variety of roles across the community. While the Augusta Commission and mayor represents some of the city's top leaders, you may be surprised to find out they are not the top earners. So who is?
Here's a look at the top 20 earners as of Fiscal Year 2023, according to documents provided by Augusta:
1. Hameed Malik
Augusta Director of Engineering Hameed Malik earned $205,581.70. He started working for the city in 1997.
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2. Takiyah Douse
Augusta Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse earned $201,571. She started working for the city in 2008, and has since also served as director of the motor vehicle division and central services department.
3. Wayne Brown
Augusta Attorney Wayne Brown earned $191,500.51. He started working for the city in 2008 and resigned from the position a few months ago.
4. Richard Slaby
Judge Richard Slaby earned $179,390.20. He was on the Richmond County State Court bench for 20 years before retiring with senior status in 2017. This status allows him to preside over state courts across Georgia when called.
5. Patricia Booker
Judge Patricia Booker earned $179,390.20. She is another senior judge for the State Courts of Georgia who was previously a judge on Richmond County's court.
6. Richard Roundtree
Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree earned $176,500. He was first elected sheriff in 2012. This is his last year as sheriff after losing in the primaries earlier this year.
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7. Antonio Burden
Augusta Fire Chief/EMA Director Antonio Burden earned $174,332.28. He has led the department since 2021.
8. David Watkins
Judge David Watkins earned $174,127.20. He served as a state court judge for Richmond County 1997-2023.
9. Tameka Allen
Augusta Chief of Information Officer Tameka Allen earned $170,350.99. She started working for the city in 1992, and has since also served as deputy administrator and interim administrator.
10. Nolan Martin
Augusta Judicial Circuit Court Administrator Nolan Martin earned $162,776.01. He first started working for Augusta in 2020.
11. Wes Byne
Augusta Utilities Director Frank "Wes" Byne earned $154,000. He first started working for the city in 2003, and has since also served as engineering director.
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12. Lena Bonner
Augusta Clerk of Commission Lena Bonner earned $149,934.40. She first started working for the city in 1973.
13. Charles Jackson
Augusta Deputy Administrator Charles Jackson earned $149,881.31. He first started working for the city in 2021.
14. Geri Sams
Augusta Procurement Director Geraldine "Geri" Sams earned $149,090.29. She first started working for the city in 1990.
15. Scott Rountree
Augusta's chief appraiser for the board of tax assessors Scott Rountree earned $148,526. He first started working for the city in 2011.
16. Harry James III
Augusta Probate Court Judge Harry James III earned $148,353.61. He was first elected in 2012.
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17. Donna Williams
Augusta Finance Director Donna Williams earned $147,416.04. She first started working for the city in 1979.
18. Rachel Mack
Augusta's deputy general counsel Rachel Mack earned $145,220. She first started working for the city in 2015.
19. Willie Saunders
Augusta Juvenile Court Chief Judge Willie Saunders earned $140,000. He first started working for Augusta in 1996, and has been chief since 2022.
20. Shawn Edwards
Augusta Land Bank Authority Director Shawn Edwards earned $138,121.14. He first started working for the city in 2008.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Who are Augusta's highest paid employees and what do they do?
