Most everyone even close to my age has heard the old saying: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. “Well, that sure seems to be the case concerning the Augusta landfill and the Augusta Engineering Department director.
The Augusta Landfill has not been profitable since Mark Johnson was the landfill director. Remember, Johnson was forced to resign after the ” Tractor Gate” scandal.
Lincolnton County resident Al Gray, while on his morning walk saw a large piece of equipment doing some work on a piece of rural property. Upon closer look he discovered the equipment belonged to the Augusta Landfill. I recall that maybe a former landfill employee was in possession of and operating the equipment.
Gray made inquiries, and it did indeed turn out the way it is described. The information was made public and “Tractor Gate” was born.
The story was that the employee in possession of the equipment took it without the knowledge of Mark Johnson to use on a private job. However it happened under Johnson’s watch, therefore he was held responsible. The employee also resigned.
Afterwards an upper level employee of the landfill was promoted to the director’s position.
The situation at the landfill seemed to continue with some ups and downs. The new director eventually resigned and went to work with one of the garbage haulers that is still one of the contracted haulers. Since then, two other directors have been hired and terminated, or asked to resign.
Since Director Mark Johnson was forced to resign, the operation of Augusta’s landfill has cost the taxpayers millions of dollars with no end in sight. In fact, in my opinion, the oversight of the landfill operations has been less than the level the taxpayers have paid hard-earned money to have and the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the director of the Engineering Department.
The recycling program was abandoned approximately three years ago. Still the an allusion was made that the program was still being operated, when, finally the real truth surfaced. The level of the pickup service went from twice a week to once a week with an increased cost of service.
Now, a new contract for services is being presented to the commission for their vote of approval. It is for an increase of $110 a year with one pickup a week and no recycling. This proposal also has a 3% to 4% yearly increase for 10 years.
The way I see the probability of it passing is that it will take some doing. With only eight commissioners expected in attendance, then six would have to vote yes. I just can’t see Commissioners McKnight, Guilfoyle, Frantom or even Mayor Johnson voting yes to pass this onto the taxpayers.
It will be interesting to see how the remains of the Gang of Five vote on the matter. I have a strange feeling that Commissioner Francine Scott won’t vote yes for this burden. Over time, Scott has shown to have a pragmatic bone here and there.
Now if there was only a way to remove the 3% yearly increase for water and sewage, that would be a huge win.
Wasn’t it amazing how quickly the new Administrator Tameka Allen came up with a solid workable credit card program for the mayor and other elected officials? This was after weeks of getting nowhere with the others who were directed to perform the task. And to make it perfectly clear to those who think the commissioners have city owned credit cards, they DON”T.
The hurricane cleanup is moving along quickly. Lee Powell Drones has new footage of the cleanup. I understand Mr. Powell will be expanding his flights to different areas of Augusta. This should prove to be very interesting.
His footage did discover where the rainwater was being blocked for entering the drain pipes and causing flooding in south Augusta. The paid Augusta employees could have found the problem and fixed it quickly if only they had been doing the job they are paid to do.
I was told that Commissioner Alvin Mason may be coming back before the end of November. No word on Commissioner Garrett as yet; but with the holidays and no scheduled meetings, I guess things can wait till next year as long as the paycheck and auto allowance check still gets sent and cashed.
Speaking of no work days, the Augusta city employees get 12 paid holidays a year. And we must not forget the “Mental Health Day” that is taken off with pay.
Is it not time that all city employees come to work in person instead of remotely from home or wherever? Isn’t it time to take down the Plexi glass from within the Commission Chambers?
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
