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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

Augusta University officially opens Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center

Augusta University officially opened the Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center on Wednesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating...

Richmond County Board of Education members recognize Textron Specialized Vehicles for a decade-long partnership with the district’s Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing program during Tuesday’s meeting. Photo by Drew Wall

Richmond County board recognizes partnerships, addresses human trafficking concerns

In a short Tuesday board meeting, the Richmond County Board of Education celebrated community partnerships and student achievements but also...

Public Service Commission critic arrested, charged with theft after public hearing

A critic of the Republican-controlled Public Service Commission was arrested Tuesday on a felony count in connection with removal of...

Missing teen girl rescued from trafficker at Grovetown hotel; Augusta woman arrested

A missing 16-year-old girl from Clayton County, Georgia, was rescued Monday from her alleged trafficker at a Comfort Inn and...

Beech Island man charged after violent assault and hostage situation in Augusta

A Beech Island man faces a long list of felony charges after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and holding several people...

Aiken man, 90, struck and killed while riding three-wheel electric bike

A 90-year-old Aiken man on a three-wheel electric bicycle was struck and killed Tuesday while riding in rush hour traffic...

Commission approves health insurance hikes to ease budget strain

Augusta commissioners voted Tuesday to raise employee health insurance premiums and hospital deductibles in an effort to reduce a looming...

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners issued a statement regarding the proposed data center in Appling during the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Staff photo by Stephanie Hill

Columbia County Board of Commissioners issue statement regarding data center

The proposed data center in Appling was once again the topic of conversation at the Columbia County Board of Commissioners...

Richmond County board approves Langford-Tutt Middle School name, adds new leadership

During a meeting that lasted late into the evening, the Richmond County Board of Education approved a new middle school...

Vehicle storage proposed on Washington Road in Appling

A month after Columbia County commissioners voted down a controversial rezoning request to make way for a luxury boat storage...

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