As always this past week, Augusta’s never-failing, disastrous city government did not disappoint.
Only seven of the 10 elected commissioners showed up for the scheduled meeting. Commissioner Alvin is still recovering from back surgeries and is anticipated to return early September. Who knowns where Commissioner Bobby Williams was. Since he will not be returning in 2025, he most likely has become truly a part timer. Not really fair to the constituents he is supposed to represent.
District 1 Commissioner Jordon Johnson is also the chairman of Augusta’s Democratic Party, so he went to the DNC convention in Chicago as a voting delegate. Guess being a commissioner in Augusta is really a part time job. For some, it’s just a title because they are gone more than they attend.
I am well aware that some past commissioners, as well as some current sitting commissioners, don’t like that I give my opinion on matters they deal with and the way they deal with it. I see things from the point of view that maybe they need to be seen. It’s not all sunshine, lollypops and rainbows as some would have you believe. It’s not always the truth. Deceptive words sometimes spoken. Sometimes points of view and commission votes are purely biased, self-serving or serving someone who will benefit and gain on a personal level.
Department heads are protected. Most of you have seen that yourself. How else would a department director who under performs and disregards personnel objectives and equal employment practices keep his or her job so long? How does a department director exchange a recommended bid for one that will under-perform at the last minute and nothing is really said? How does a department director who oversees road construction, stormwater and the landfill never get things done? By using the same excuse again and again of not enough money or no people over.
Now, if it sounds like I am a bit tired of the way things happen in Augusta’s government, you would be right.
As a life-long citizen of Augusta, I am tired of paying and paying while others roll under the radar. The vast majority of taxpayers don’t dwell in houses costing more than $350,000. However, we pay taxes like we do and like we make $200,000 a year plus.
The commission did the right thing by passing the flat rollback. However, Commissioners Pulliam and Lewis voted for an increase. Could there be a puppet master out there?
One of the reasons Fire Chief Burton listed for needing the increase for his department was for the purchase of new equipment. I immediately thought of the two fire trucks that were totaled due to whatever reason they choose to claim. One was totaled in a rollover while making a left turn across three lanes of traffic to get onto the I-20 Westbound ramp. The driver could have done so safely from the right lane ramp. Things like that should have to come out of the department’s operating yearly budget. Instead, it’s like anything else in this Augusta government. Seems to be just tax the citizens more.
The RCBOE is raising the millage rate. So higher property taxes again. School board members spoke at a recent meeting of the West Augusta Alliance. The people who attended learned that 85% of property taxes go to salaries, benefits and pensions. The other 15% was used for standard expenses.
We just had approximately 6,000 visitors here for a tech convention. It would have been interesting to have had a survey of what they liked and didn’t like about the city. But, that would have been in bad taste to the powers that be. How dare someone disparage our wonderful employees. Now don’t get me wrong, Augusta has employees who are devoted because of who they are. They have a work ethic that shows in their performance. Problem is, these people are the only ones working.
The reimbursement of the mayor’s expenses is nothing more than a power play. Shame on those who are playing that game. You would fit much better in Dolton, Ill. “Super Mayor” Tiffany Henyard would love ya’ll.
Some of the current commissioners who oppose the mayor are the same who would not support a forensic audit that Commissioner McKnight and I requested. Yes, you didn’t see a need to check up on the former mayor, but now you feel the need to hold Mayor Johnson’s spending under a microscope. Odd, very odd.
The taxpayers of Augusta are really tired of the burdens being placed upon them, including myself. Yes, we are suppose to be good stewards of monies and be benevolent to those that have less and can’t, won’t and just don’t pay their fair share. So, the bills are placed on those who will.
It reminds me of a song. Yes, there’s a song for those that was wondering. The song is, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”
Written in 1969 by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell and recorded by the group The Hollies. It was a major influence on society at that time.
The song was written from a story about a young boy carrying his disabled brother up a hill. It inspired the idea of selfless love and support. However, society took it to a new meaning that you should always carry a person who didn’t have as much for whatever reason.
Some of the lyrics:
So here we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We’ll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.
Yes, the burden has become cumbersome. How much more can be given or taken? How much more is expected to be given by those who manage to get by because of the hard work they themselves performed only to give to those who don’t? Not because they can’t but just won’t.
Maybe Augusta should reduce the departments that tax dollars support to the three that are required. Law enforcement, fire protection and utilities. The rest could be farmed out. We already pay an independent firm over $7 million to advise and perform some duties for the Parks and Recreation Department. Engineering can’t seem to get anything done, but hire consultants. Human Resources can’t seem to hire qualified people. Don’t forget the millions of dollars Augusta could be fined because of none reporting of Rescue Funds that started in that department. Procurement seems to be a special operation all of it’s on.
Yes, think of the money Augusta could save. Think of how things could get done. Oh well, one can only dream.
Folks, as always, you can’t make this stuff up.
