Commission approves multiple litigation settlements, hires and a consent order after closed session

After a lengthy closed legal session, the commission returned to public session and moved to implement several settlement agreements, personnel actions and an environmental consent order that had been discussed in executive session. Legal settlements and claims: Interim general counsel outlined a series of approved settlements arising from automobile-accident claims and workers’ compensation matters. The commission approved motions to settle multiple claims, including (as announced by counsel) settlements for: - Cameron Ruff v. Richard Rountree et al., case no. 1:24-cv-183 — $25,000; motion carried (record noted commissioners present; one commissioner absent). - Jacqueline Jones v. Augusta, Georgia and J.L. Logan (auto accident 08/02/2023) — $41,000; motion carried. - Corin Jones v. Augusta, Georgia and J.L. Logan (auto accident 08/02/2023) — $13,500; motion carried. - Kenyon Jones v. Augusta, Georgia and J.L. Logan (auto accident 08/02/2023) — $11,500; motion carried. - Maurice Rivera v. Walsh McNeal et al., U.S. District Court case no. CV 1:24-188 — $300,000; motion carried. - Quincy O’Bryant, workers’ compensation claim no. 2019-106056 — $15,500; motion carried. - Sandy Estelle Estellett (workers’ compensation claim no. 2021-027972) — $55,000; motion carried. - Nasia Hodgepietz v. Augusta Richmond County, case no. 2021-RCV-00390 — $20,000; motion carried. Counsel also requested and the commission approved a motion to execute a consent order with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) related to alleged violations at the Mesley plant, authorizing payment of a fine of $170,000 and execution by the mayor and clerk. The commission recorded the motion as carried; specific vote tallies for many items were recorded as unanimous with a named commissioner absent for several votes. Personnel and appointments: The commission approved multiple appointments and personnel actions announced after the executive session, including: - Authorization to hire Reggie Horn as chief information officer at $145,000 per year (motion carries unanimous with one commissioner noted absent). - Approval to hire Horace Green as central services director starting Sept. 1, 2025, at a salary of $120,000 and moving allowance up to $10,000 (motion carried 8–1–1 with one commissioner voting no and one abstention). - Authorization to hire Mitchell O’Neil as engineering manager in the Augusta Utilities Department at $105,000 per year (motion carried). - Acceptance of an amended resignation agreement for Phyllis Johnson (effective 07/31/2025) that provides a lump-sum payment of three months’ salary upon execution of a release (motion carried). - Appointment of Dr. Yolanda Jackson as interim compliance director with a 15% pay increase for the interim period and authorization for HR to advertise the compliance director position. Why it matters: The settlements and consent order have budgetary effects and conclude litigation and regulatory exposure for the county. The personnel decisions fill multiple senior management roles that county officials said are needed to run operations. Discussion vs. decision: The material was presented as motions and formal approvals; counsel’s summary in open session reflected the outcomes of the executive session. The motions were approved as stated on the public record; if specified, vote tallies were recorded in the transcript. Commissioners emphasized that the executive session was necessary to discuss pending and potential litigation and personnel matters and then voted on the resolutions when back in public session. Next steps: Staff will execute the settlement documents and the GEPD consent order after mayoral and clerk signatures. Personnel hires will proceed through HR for onboarding and contract execution.