Just days away from the primary, Augusta commissioners quibble over resolution to give mayor a vote

Editor's note: This story has been updated to use the correct spelling of Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight's name and to clarify her position regarding a resolution.

With the May 21 primary election approaching and early voting underway, a former Augusta commissioner this week asked how a resolution to give the mayor a vote got to the Georgia Legislature and on the ballot.

Augusta voters are set to vote on a change to the city charter that would give the mayor a full vote instead of just the tie-breaking vote he has now. The issue will be on the ballot in the primary.

Former Augusta commissioner Bill Fennoy told commissioners he understood that any resolution that was a request for the state legislature had to be signed by six commissioners, the city attorney, the mayor, and certified by the clerk of the commission. But the request to the local legislative delegation only had the mayor’s and five commissioners’ names.

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Moreover, the commissioners whose names did not appear on the request said they were not asked to sign.

The signers were Mayor Garnett Johnson and Commissioners Sean Frantom, Brandon Garrett, Wayne Guilfoyle, and Alvin Mason. There was an unsigned signature line for Catherine Smith McKnight. She said she supports the measure but did not know there was a document she needed to sign.

Commissioners Jordan Johnson, Tony Lewis, Stacy Pulliam, Francine Scott, and Bobby Williams did not sign the request.

“I think that is not a good way for us to do business,” Fennoy said. “We have policies in place, and I think we should follow policies and procedures.”

When the bill came up in the state Senate, Sen. Harold Jones II, from Augusta, spoke against it. The bill passed along party lines in both the state House and the Senate.

Now the issue is with the voters of Augusta.

Lewis wanted to know why the mayor did not ask all 10 commissioners instead of just six.

“I only needed six,” the mayor said, adding that he contacted Lewis who said he would get back to him but didn’t. Lewis said he does not remember the mayor contacting him about this issue.

Lewis called the process disingenuous.

Johnson reminded commissioners that the legislation passed in the 2023 session and could have been discussed months ago.

Finances looking strong

Also at the Tuesday meeting, Finance Director Donna Williams presented the 2023 year-end financial reports to commissioners.

“Once again we are specializing in some good news today,” Donna Williams said.

Among the highlights:

• Sales tax revenues continue to grow each year. April’s revenues were up 11% over 2022, and nearly $1.9 million since then.

• Recent credit ratings audits from both Moody’s and the Standard & Poor’s stayed the same. Courtney Rogers, of Davenport financial group, said the Aa2 from Moody’s and the AA/Stable from S&P are in the very strong categories.

• Law Enforcement increased its reserve fund balance $6.3 million, which adds about five days to its reserve.

• The fire department added $1.3 million over budget that may be used for much needed equipment, she said.

• Water & Sewer generated $7.8 million more revenue, mostly from new connections.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Ballot resolution on allowing Augusta mayor a vote fought over by commission