Dear Reader:
In previous columns I have suggested a way to help the City find a new City Manager. You can view these articles, but basically I had said to them before I left that they should seek to appoint a group of professional City Managers from around the area to select three candidates for the Mayor and Council to consider. This might be similar to what some churches do in finding a new Pastor.
First though, they must legally post the job on the bulletin board. This has not been done. I began several weeks ago trying to find out when this was to be done.
I called a Council member twice but no return phone call. Then I asked Interim City Manager Brad Hulsey about this and he said to call the City Clerk. I called twice last week but again no return phone calls.
Then I called another person who might know and there was some hesitation and clearly that person did not want to get into it. Finally I called the Mayor and she said this:
Currently they are working on the budget. There is no Finance Director on board and . Mr. Hulsey is doing the best he can in preparing the budget right now.
She pointed out that it would be a waste to look for a City Mgr right now because a possible Manager would also be working on his/her budget for another City. Therefore they would get over the Finance Director hump and once on board then post and advertise or whatever method for a City Manager.
First I think that this whole matter reeks of secrecy. I called two council members beside the one who never called me back, and these two knew nothing of this selection process as outlined by the Mayor to me. So why has the Mayor, who evidently is the only person to know about this plan, never told the council members?
Surely this issue rises to a top issue and all should have an idea of what is going on. Why should they learn about this from me?
Next, while I can see some reasoning behind what the Mayor wants to do she should have cleared it through the Council in open session. Next, there is no reason for anyone at City Hall to believe that they should clam up about such an issue.
Secondly: Why not at least post the job and then get working with the Georgia Municipal League (GMA) on finding the selection committee City Managers and line them up. There is no possibility of finding a new Manager for at least four months or even longer. The budget is voted on in June and then its over for this year. I would think that all would like these top positions to be filled ASAP.
I think it unfortunate when any government has folks wondering about what is going on and finds it hard to find answers. I believe everyone is better than that.
Open Meetings/Open Records Update
Thanks to the efforts of Attorney General (AG) Sam Olens the Legislature approved some sweeping changes to these important laws that I have written about previously.
Open Meetings: Raises the fine for violating the Open Meeting law from $100 to $1,000 for the first violation. Then for subsequent violations, $2,500!
I suspect that after the Governor signs this law that will put an end to these violations state wide. However, vigilance is still needed because the AG cannot go poking around in every City, County and School Board across the state.
Open Records: Reduces the amount that a unit of government can charge for copies of requested documents from .25 cents to .10 cents.
This will greatly improve access to records for the citizens and the media. Some governments have used this as way to stop citizens gaining access to documents and even routine papers that they hand out to Council members at meetings and should anyway be made available to the public at that time for free. They always have plenty of paper items I can assure you.
I hope that you have read on the proposed one percent sales tax increase question that will come before you July 31.
This is very important and extends beyond the sales tax issue. I am busy putting together these articles for you so that you can make a reasoned decision come July 31.
Thanks for reading,
Tom Bevirt
I have gone over this before, so let me try again. Brad Hulsey is Interim City manager and doing a good job. As you know the Finance Director Resigned- this position is being interviewed and a search is in process. The Budget for next year is our top priority. As soon as this business is finished we will search for a permanent City Manger. There is no rush, as I have said before the City is in good hands. That’s as simple and transparent as I can make it, as soon as we start the search we will let you know. Copy Fee issue: At $0.10 a copy the City will lose money. Yes, the paper is not that expensive- but then pay for the copy machines, toner and the labor to pull and file the records and make the copies and the cost goes up. Even Kinko’s and most colleges charge over $0.10 a copy and you do all the work. In summary, access to records is important and should be available. Some request records for knowledge, others prospect records for “trash” they can twist and exploit. At $0.10 a copy your taxes are partially paying the cost for those who want records. I would rather my tax money be spent on more useful projects.
For once, since Wayne Wright was in the office several years ago, the City has a class act running the show as City Manager. Brad Hulsey has no agenda but his love for the City and its people. He showed that when he was on the City Council, when he was Mayor, when the floods of 2005 and 2009 hit and he led the long-term recovery volunteer group, and when every year when he sponsors the 4th of July celebration and the public safety awards for our area. Brad gives back to his community, and all you do is take, take, take. The City made it possible for you to draw an additional pension and to get benefits. Boy, you really know how to show your appreciation! I have spoken with several of the city employees, and they say that it is much better since Brad got back into City Hall. I commend Mayor Vaughn and the Council for such a wise move in appointing him as Interim. I only hope that, if Brad is interested, they will have the wisdom and fortitude to make him the permanent City Manager. Tom, why don't you find yourself something to do besides messing with our city? You lost the election, thanks for your service, but get the message. Your days are over, you're drawing your free government pension and benefits, and the people of Powder Springs don't need your insight!
The city has a city manager, a former mayor in fact, and by all accounts he's doing a good job, so what's the rush to fill this position with some unknown quantity who might ( or might not) be found through this search you're all in a tizzy over. The budget has a deadline, doesn't it, so wouldn't that be more of a priority? Go write about some more home remedies instead.
Wayne Wright was indeed a class act. And he's smart enough to know when to move on. If social media was around at the time, I wonder what speculation would have surfaced on why he left. Speaking of class act's, remember this name moving forward; Rick Eckert. Of all previous City Managers, Mr. Eckert is in the same category as Mr. Wright. Eckert possessed all of the skills and professionalism required and did an outstanding job during his tenure. In the end, he became feed up with the meddling. We are disappointed to see him go. He was great to work with. There is no need to advertise for a new city manager. Mr. Hulsey will be offered the job. He's liked by many employee, has history here and doggone-it, Mayor and council like him. As one of those who "spoke" with Ol' Pete, (sorry Pete, need to call you out for "meddling, too), he is pretty much on target when explaining the support Mr. Hulsey has within the city, but he should know better than to accuse Mr. Bevirt of being just a taker. And Mr. Bevirt, as far as "messing with the city", I for one hope you continue to ask questions and demand answers. It's your right.
You know, 'ol Pete makes a good point there. What kind of a person finagles a retirement increase out of his employer on his way out the door, and then trashes the management that helped him get it. What a guy!