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Resident alleges mismanagement and retaliation; chairman denies tax‑fraud claims
Summary
At the Nov. 12 commission meeting, Warren Williams accused county leaders of mismanagement, nepotism and retaliation and claimed a targeted tax‑assessor visit; Commissioner Hoyte pledged to investigate. Chairman Charles Coffey denied allegations about homestead filings and family on the payroll.
Warren Williams told the Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12 that many local residents feel the county is being mismanaged, alleging retaliation and impropriety in hiring practices.
"It is not about race, color, gender, it is about human decency and respect and integrity," Williams said, asking the commission to listen to citizens. He alleged that political signs targeting the chairman were removed and that a tax assessor visited his property after he sought agenda time; he also said there were multiple homestead filings and that friends and family have been hired by the county.
Commissioner Damon Hoyte thanked Williams, said Facebook comments should remain visible and said "retaliation will not be tolerated," adding that he would investigate the targeting claim. Hoyte said he could not answer some allegations and that Chairman Coffey would have to respond if he chose to.
Chairman Charles Coffey addressed the meeting later and denied wrongdoing. Coffey said homestead exemptions must be requested in writing and that he has "only ever done so on one piece of property." He described an assessment error that affected multiple properties and said he does not owe the county money. Coffey also denied having family employed by the county and said he serves the county "to make the county a better place."
The minutes show commissioners did not take action on the allegations during the Nov. 12 meeting; the commission later entered executive session to discuss legal matters and reconvened without recording any votes. The minutes record that topics in closed session were legal in nature.
The meeting record does not include independent findings or an investigative report; Williams’ allegations and Coffey’s denials are recorded in the minutes. Commissioner Hoyte said he would pursue an inquiry into the retaliation claim. The commission has scheduled follow‑up items and will address any formal complaints or evidence in subsequent meetings.
