Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accountability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident Warren Williams alleges mismanagement and retaliation; chairman denies tax-fraud claim
Summary
At the Nov. 12 Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County commission meeting, resident Warren Williams accused county officials of mismanagement, retaliation and nepotism; Chairman Charles Coffey denied the homestead/tax allegations and said he has no relatives on county payroll. Commissioners entered executive session on legal matters.
Warren Williams, speaking during the Nov. 12 public‑comment period, told the Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners that residents feel “ignored and disrespected” and accused county leadership of mismanagement, retaliation and hiring family and friends onto county payrolls. "It is not about race, color, gender, it is about human decency and respect and integrity," he said, and asserted that tax‑assessor visits and removal of signs aimed at the chairman followed his efforts to be placed on the agenda.
The allegations touched off brief responses from commissioners. Commissioner Damon Hoyte thanked Williams, said Facebook comments should remain visible, and said he would investigate claims of retaliation but that other allegations would require answers from Chairman Charles Coffey. Chairman Coffey responded directly, saying the accusations were incorrect, denying that he had filed homestead on multiple properties and denying that he has family on county payroll. "There is nothing that this county has that I want or desire; I do this for the citizens and the county," Coffey told the board.
The county attorney told the commission he is coordinating with the cemetery committee on an ordinance and noted ongoing litigation related to political signs: an appeal arising from Commissioner Hoyte’s suit will be heard Dec. 6, and the county has filed an answer seeking dismissal of the claims. The board later recessed into executive session at 10:46 a.m. to discuss legal matters and reconvened at 11:30 a.m.; the chair stated that no votes occurred in closed session and the subjects fell within statutory exceptions to open‑meetings rules.
Why it matters: Williams’ public accusations raise questions about county personnel practices and transparency that commissioners said they would probe. The exchange produced an explicit denial from the chairman and a pledge from a commissioner to investigate at least the retaliation claim. The record shows no formal discipline or personnel action reported at the meeting.
Next steps: The board placed several items on the Dec. 3 agenda and noted upcoming court activity (the Dec. 6 appeal). The minutes show the board adjourned the regular meeting at 11:36 a.m.
