Resident tells commissioners he and others face retaliation and mismanagement; chairman denies tax‑fraud claim

A Cusseta resident used the open‑forum portion of the Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County’s Nov. 12 meeting to accuse county officials of mismanagement and retaliation and to raise concerns about hiring practices and property tax handling.

“ It is not about race, color, gender, it is about human decency and respect and integrity, ” Warren Williams told the commission, saying he spoke for many citizens who feel ignored and afraid to speak. Williams alleged that political signs had been removed, said he was targeted by a tax assessor’s visit after seeking a spot on the agenda, and claimed the county hires friends and family and rehiring practices are creating a toxic environment.

Commissioner Damon Hoyte thanked Williams and said the commission should keep Facebook comments visible and stated, “retaliation will not be tolerated,” adding he would investigate the comments issue. Hoyte said that for other allegations — including those directed at Chairman Coffey — Coffey would need to answer if he chose to.

Chairman Charles Coffey responded directly to the homestead/tax allegation in his remarks later in the meeting, denying any wrongdoing and saying he has filed homestead exemption on a single parcel only. “There is nothing that this county has that I want or desire; I do this for the citizens and the county,” Coffey said, adding that a tax assessor found an error affecting multiple properties and that he does not owe thousands in back taxes. Coffey also denied having family members on the county payroll.

The minutes record that several of Williams’s allegations — including the asserted investigation of the magistrate court judge and claims about payroll – were raised during the public comment period but that commissioners did not take immediate action on these accusations during the meeting. The county attorney noted ongoing coordination on other matters (such as cemetery bylaws) and later the commission entered executive session to discuss legal issues; the chairman said no votes were taken while in closed session.

The record shows differing accounts in the room: Williams framed his remarks as representing a broader citizen concern about integrity and respect; commissioners acknowledged the concerns and said they would address or investigate certain procedural items (Facebook comment policy and related concerns) while denying specific allegations when challenged.

The commission did not make policy or personnel decisions on the allegations during the Nov. 12 meeting; follow‑up and any formal inquiries would be matters for subsequent meetings or administrative action.