Augusta Commission appoints Tanya Barnhill to fill District 4 vacancy; special election set for Nov. 4

The Augusta Commission on July 20 appointed Tanya Barnhill to fill the District 4 vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Alvin Mason.

Commissioners opened nominations for the vacancy. Commissioner Francine Scott nominated Augustus Palmer; Commissioner Don Clark nominated Tanya Barnhill. After a vote on the first nominee failed, the commission voted to appoint Barnhill by a recorded council vote and she accepted the appointment.

Why it matters: Barnhill will serve on the commission immediately in an interim capacity and the commission also adopted a resolution calling a special election to fill the remainder of the seat through the end of the term. Director Travis Doss of the Richmond County Board of Elections advised the commission that state law and local procedure require an interim appointment when a vacancy occurs with more than 12 months remaining in the term, and that a special election may be held on a September or November special-election date; the commission set November 4, 2025, as the special-election date.

Vote and process: The commission conducted votes in the order nominations were made. The motion to appoint Augustus Palmer failed. The nomination and appointment of Tanya Barnhill carried: the clerk recorded the final vote as 6 yes, 3 no, and 1 abstention (outcome: approved). The commission directed staff to arrange an oath and administrative paperwork so Barnhill could be sworn in when convenient.

Barnhill’s remarks: After the vote, Barnhill thanked supporters and said she did not take the appointment lightly, noting she would represent District 4 residents. The mayor congratulated Barnhill and advised her to coordinate with legal staff to schedule the formal swearing-in.

Special election schedule: County elections director Travis Doss told commissioners that, because Mason’s term extended beyond 12 months (term expiration cited as Dec. 31, 2026), state law requires an interim appointment until a special election. The board of elections confirmed the next practical special-election date is Nov. 4, 2025, which the commission approved; doing so avoids the higher cost of holding a standalone election in September, the director said.

Next steps: The commission instructed legal staff to prepare and circulate the resolution calling the Nov. 4, 2025 special election. Barnhill will coordinate with legal staff to complete oath paperwork and formally take her seat.

Ending: The commission’s action was presented publicly; several commissioners asked staff to ensure the Board of Elections has the adopted resolution and that calendar and qualifying deadlines are met.