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Public commenters tell Augusta Charter Review Committee to slow review, consider race-relations history
Summary
Four residents, including a former commissioner and two reverends, urged the Charter Review Committee to extend the Carl Vinson Institute timeline, review a 2001 report on race relations, and treat the consolidation review as a deliberate, multi‑month process rather than a rush to a political deadline.
Members of the public urged the Augusta Richmond County Charter Review Committee on May 15 to slow its review timetable and to address race‑relations history and the 1996 consolidation more carefully.
Multiple speakers said the committee had been given an unrealistically short deadline. Ben Hassan, a resident who identified himself at the meeting, said the Carl Vinson Institute told commissioners the review would take 12 to 18 months and that shortening that plan leaves the committee little time to do the work.
The comments matter because the committee is examining the 1996 consolidation act (House Bill 805) that merged the city and county governments and the charter that followed; changes could affect governance, local representation and how the consolidated government operates. Speakers warned that an accelerated timeline could omit careful public input and historical context.
Former Commissioner Moses Todd said he had worked on multiple consolidation efforts and advised the committee not to “remove the guardrails” that protect taxpayers. He described consolidation as the community’s constitution and urged deliberation rather than haste.
Reverend James Williams, who identified himself as a former plaintiff in litigation connected to past personnel‑policy changes, asked the committee to treat the charter and the consolidation statute as separate topics and to seek clarity about what the committee is reviewing. “There is no reason to be hasty about this process,” Williams said.
Ben Hassan pointed the committee to a 2001 report that, he said, had recommended establishing a race relations committee; he urged members to review prior findings and consider them in the current review. Marion Williams, who identified himself as Marion Williams of 1941 Crater Drive, also urged careful study and asked legal counsel to clarify whether the committee is reviewing only the charter text or also the broader consolidation statute.
The public comment period produced no committee action; the committee chair invited speakers to submit documents and promised to include submitted materials in the official record and minutes. The meeting later moved to staff and consultant presentations from the Carl Vinson Institute.
Ending: The committee asked speakers to submit supporting documents by email so those materials can be included in the minutes. The chair also noted that the Carl Vinson Institute and staff would incorporate public input as they prepare draft proposals for later committee consideration.
