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Project Azalea under review by Augusta Planning

The proposed development of what may be a new Amazon distribution facility in south Augusta is underway, according to city records.

The Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee approved moving forward with the initial appointments to the Columbia County Library System. Those appointments are: • Connie Melear – countywide (Columbia County District 1 Commissioner) • Rusty Jarrett - District 1 • District 2 vacant • Secelia Brown – District 3 • John Luton – District 4 (Community Services division director) County Manager Scott Johnson said “As you know, now that Columbia County is going to have a standalone library board, we have to appoint new members. These members will need to begin work pretty soon, working on bylaws, the guidelines that are in place, we will need to hire a new regional director, so they do have some work to do.” The District 2 seat will remain vacant until after the District 2 Board of Commissioner seat is filled following the election on Nov. 4. Karin Parham, with the Freedom to Read Coalition of Columbia County, read a statement on their thoughts on the proposed library board members. “Our organization is concerned about the direction of the new Columbia County Library System,’ Parham said. “When county administration, through the Community Services division director, continues to manage library services operation while also placing that same position on the board that hires and oversees the library director, it creates a built-in conflict of interest. So even if direct supervision of staff changes, real control still rests with the county manager and the commission through the administrative link. That means the library’s independence only exists on paper and not in practice. So, we urge the county to establish a structure that keeps library government separate from county administration and political influence.” District 1 Commissioner Connie Melear said she wanted to be on the board to help guide it. “We felt like we needed somebody on the commission on there to help guide it and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. I haven’t participated much in the library aspect before and now this is my opportunity.” The committee approved moving the members to the full Board of Commissioners. Aa resolution to establish the Columbia County library fees fund was also discussed. “Historically, the Library Advisory Board had a fund that money would go into for late fees and other fees, with the sale of books and those sort of things. It’s grown into a pretty sizeable amount of money, so with the Library Advisory Board no longer in place, it’s incumbent upon the county now to establish a fund for that. Due to our fiduciary responsibility, I would ask that we would use this resolution to establish a special revenue fund that way those funds could continue to be earmarked for library operations and use.” The committee also approved moving forward with this resolution. The next Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at the Evans Government Center Complex.

Featured Article: News, Politics & Government

Columbia County to hold all committee meetings Tuesday

Tuesday will be a busy day for Columbia County government as all five committees will meet due to the Christmas holiday.

SRS Fire Department hosts DOE fire chiefs for three-day benchmarking visit

The Savannah River Site Fire Department hosted fire chiefs from across the Department of Energy complex for a three-day benchmarking and training visit aimed at improving fire safety practices and strengthening emergency response coordination.

Featured Article: Education, News, Politics & Government

All public schools to have naloxone by spring

In a nod to the spread of opioids, Georgia is installing overdose reversal kits at all 2,300 public schools in the state using money from a legal settlement with the pharmaceutical industry.

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Bribery charge filed after Augusta man tries giving flowers to judge in 2024 case

Richmond County Crime Map: November 26-December 2

List keeps getting bigger: SPLOST 9 climbs to $463 million

Columbia County Development Authority closes on property sale to Trammell Crow

Augusta University announces graduation speakers for December commencement ceremonies

Toy gun, bullet, and threats: Busy week for ARC and other county schools

Hank Aaron, Atlanta Braves home-run king, dies at 86

by Beau Evans | Capitol Beat News ServiceHenry Aaron, the legendary Atlanta Braves slugger who broke Babe Ruth’s career record...

Heritage Academy, Augusta Prep Announce First W. Rodger Giles Scholarship Recipient

Elijah McFadgen is the winner of the W. Rodger Giles Scholarship from Augusta Preparatory Day School. McFadgen is in eighth...

Richmond County Schools Return to Face-to-Face Instruction

Face-to-face instruction resumes on Monday and Tuesday for Richmond County schools. Elementary schools will begin face-to-face instruction on Monday, and...

Local Judicial Appointments Remain Unfilled

The sudden death of Augusta Chief Magistrate William Jennings in early 2020 left a vacancy on its busiest court that...

Columbia County Agencies and App Offer Restaurant Discounts to 40+ Restaurants

For those getting back into the regular habit of dining out, the week of Jan. 25 provides anopportunity to save...

Fleming To Head Committee on Election Integrity

Governor Brian Kemp and House Speaker David Ralson have asked Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Augusta) to step down from his position...

Race Relations in Augusta Richmond County – Mayoral Candidate

Yesterday we shared the part of our interview with Commissioner Dennis Williams discussing “Storm Water Issues”. Todays video is on...

Timeline for Building 3 at Georgia Cyber Center Uncertain

The Georgia Cyber Center (GCC) has begun to market the third of five buildings slated for the 17+ acre downtown...

Labor Commissioner Says Employees Hard to Find Due to Generous Unemployment

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News Service Some Georgia employers are having a hard time finding needed workers due...

Georgia House Announces Committee Chairs for 2021-2022 Term

The Georgia House of Representatives got some new committee chairs Wednesday, includingseveral promotions to more prestigious committees left vacant by...

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