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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

Columbia County schools respond to assault, weapon possession incidents

The Columbia County School District confirmed two separate student incidents on Thursday, with administrators at Lakeside High School and Evans...

DA Clears RCSO deputies in October shooting that left deputy wounded, suspect critically injured

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has received official clearance from the Regional Force Investigation Team and District Attorney Jared T....

Service cuts, tax hike remain on table as Augusta confronts $21 million budget shortfall

Five years of using pandemic relief funds to balance the budget while also not raising taxes leaves many Augustans destined...

Doctors Hospital celebrates new training space for resident physicians

Doctors Hospital unveiled its new training facility for resident physicians, Thursday morning.

Community honors deputy 14 years after his death

Fourteen years ago, Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputy James David “J.D.” Paugh was killed in the line of duty after stopping...

Georgia Supreme Court hears cases that could shape the future of roads, car sales and child custody

The Georgia Supreme Court this week heard several cases, including two that could affect how cities design roadways and who...

New details: RCSO deputy admitted dating gang Member in Oxycodone theft case

Newly-released warrants reveal that a Richmond County deputy’s arrest this week stemmed from an investigation into a stolen Oxycodone prescription...

Three arrested in Augusta gang raid, including murder suspect

Three men were arrested Thursday in Augusta after a long-term gang investigation led to a major police raid at the...

Endorsements roll in as Augusta District 4 special election heats up

The race for a yearlong stint on the Augusta Commission is drawing interest with area officials lining up behind their...

Columbia County Development Authority to partner with Augusta and Burke County to solicit funds for environmental assessment

The Economic Development Authority of Columbia County (EDACC) voted to partner with the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) and the...

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