Tuesday’s Augusta Commission meeting was called off after the group lost its quorum.
Commissioner Bobby Williams stepped out after the meeting started, offering no explanation, and left the building.
With four other commissioners already out – Jordan Johnson, Alvin Mason, Brandon Garrett and Stacy Pulliam – only six including Mayor Garnett Johnson remained. That’s one short of the seven needed to conduct business.
“Everybody knows we have four meetings a month on Tuesdays,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight. “This is not how I want to conduct city business. Either be there or resign or don’t run.”
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It wasn’t clear why Jordan Johnson, Williams or Pulliam were absent, while Mason and Garrett have announced they will be out for extended periods. Mason had back surgery in June, but has returned at least once since then. Garrett said last month he has personal or mental health reasons for being out.
Williams leaves office at the end of the year, having lost his bid for reelection. Johnson, who is a Democratic Party delegate, declined to comment on his Tuesday absence.
Canceling the meeting prompted critical remarks from local political observer Lee Powell, who said it justifies Augusta revising the city’s charter, something the mayor is pushing. The revisions could potentially change the number of commissioners, change the number needed for a quorum or tighten attendance requirements.
Since none on the 10-member body has resigned, all including Mason and Garrett continued to receive their part-time salaries, despite missing week after week of meetings.
Without a quorum, the following agenda items and numerous others were delayed:
- The Greater Augusta Arts Council’s presentation of 2024 city arts grants to awardees
- Issuing alcohol licenses for several retailers, including four Family Dollar stores
- Administrator Tameka Allen’s presentation of an 180-day plan for city government
- Approving $5 million contracts with Reeves Construction Co. for McNutt dirt road improvements and E.R. Snell for Wheeler Road improvements from I-20 to Augusta West Parkway
