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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

Money Monday: Hello to New Businesses and Goodbye to Business Leaders

In this premiere business column, let’s say “hello” to some businesses and “goodbye” to business leaders who have either retired,...

Augusta Mini Theatre Provides Programming for 45 Years

The Augusta Mini Theatre has been providing arts education for children in the Augusta area for more than four decades.

Rooted to Face Competition from Industry-Leading Starbucks

Competition is brewing in Evans between a corporate Starbucks and a Mom-and-Pop coffee shop owned by a mom and daughter....

Our Constitution is a Rock of Ages

A few months ago, a friend gave me a 1,000-piece puzzle showing the Founding Fathers preparing the Declaration of Independence....

100-pound losers. Area resident shed weight and keep it off.

In January, people start making New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. Meet three area residents who have taken off and...

Lawn Ace will donate one year of mosquito control

Lawn Ace, a locally owned Augusta business, will launch its “Lawn Love” campaign on Jan. 25. The company will donate a...

State Budget Proposals Restore Pandemic-driven Cuts to Schools

by Dave Williams, Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp Thursday called for increasing funds to Georgia public schools by...

Georgia Democrats file resolution blasting U.S. Capitol riots, fraud hearings

By Beau Evans, Capitol Beat News Service Democratic lawmakers in the Georgia Senate have kicked off the 2021 legislative session...

Premier Networx Breaks Ground on New Tech Center

Premier Networx broke ground Wednesday morning on its new cyber technology center. “We are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of...

University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley. Photo courtesy The Capitol Beat News Service

USG Chancellor Wrigley to Retire

By Dave Williams, Capitol Beat News Service. ATLANTA – University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley Tuesday announced plans to retire...

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