The Augusta Commission sing “Kumbaya”
After a week filled with neighbor helping neighbor to get through the aftermath of this city’s devastating ice storm, it appears some of that goodwill has rubbed off on the Augusta Commission. For the past five years, commissioners have debated the results of a $580,000 study of race and gender disparities that was released back […]
No home for Augusta’s print shop
For the past several months, construction crews have been hard at work on the city’s $40 million in renovations and additions to the Augusta Municipal Building. Departments throughout the county are either preparing to move to a new location or have already been shifted around several times during the construction phase. But somehow during the […]
“I can’t be controlled.”
Jim Bartley will never apologize for who he is. To him, that would be like apologizing for breathing. “I’m not afraid of anybody,” Bartley said, sitting in living room of his four-bedroom home that he built himself in Highgrove. “I have been taking on this government for a long time. I will take on these […]
Augusta Commissioners Shocked by Russell’s Sudden Reversal
Stunned. Shocked. Unfazed. That’s how most Augusta commissioners summed up their feelings about former City Administrator Fred Russell’s announcement this week not to run for mayor of the Garden City. During an exclusive interview on the Fattz and Cher Morning Show on 96.33 Kiss FM on Tuesday, Russell said he has changed his mind about […]
Shifting the Tax Burden
If you live in Columbia County, you’ve probably driven past it a time or two. The huge horse farm on Hereford Farm Road directly across from Evans Middle School and the Columbia County Board of Education building. With its winding wood fences and handful of horses galloping around in big open fields, the farm looks […]
New Plan for the County’s Planning Department
A complete overhaul of Richmond County’s Planning and Development Department appears to be within the city’s near future. Planning and Development Department Director Melanie Wilson is recommending the reorganization of the planning division, the reclassification of positions and the adjustment of salaries and staffing levels within the department. Many local builders in the Augusta area […]
Augusta’s Julian Osbon
He was one of the most civic-minded people in all of Augusta. A true Southern gentleman, who was never afraid to speak his mind, but would also treat everyone with respect and kindness. A visionary. A community leader. A friend to all who knew him. This was Augusta’s Julian Osbon. After fighting leukemia for more […]
MacKenzie Stands Firm Against Williams’ Accusations
General Counsel Andrew MacKenzie held his own this week after being faced with an onslaught of criticism from Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams. During this week’s commission meeting on Jan. 21, Williams told his colleagues that they need to review the role of the Augusta law department and consider a “no confidence” vote against MacKenzie. “I […]
Captain Controversy
He’s been called every name in the book. But he still refuses to back down. In fact, for Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams, such criticism flames the fire inside him to push even harder for what he considers “the truth” within city government. “When people start criticizing me and they try to keep me quiet, it […]
Williams Opens Himself Up to More Criticism
The Marble Palace was all abuzz this week as news spread that Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams owed more than $3,500 in overdue taxes on properties in Richmond County. Just last week, Williams began pressing his fellow commissioners to consider implementing a policy that would require future city employees to live in Augusta-Richmond County. His reason: […]