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Council affirms previously approved charter hiring language, hires search firm and confirms two director appointments
Summary
Facing a legislative timing gap, Villa Rica council adopted a public affirmation to operate under the hiring/termination framework it previously approved and voted to hire a search consultant and confirm two staff appointments: Brea Carter as Community & Economic Development Director and Joshua Smith as Public Works Director.
Villa Rica — The Villa Rica City Council on April 14 adopted a public-resolution affirmation saying the body will operate according to the hiring and termination language it previously approved and forwarded to state legislators, despite a clerical/legislative delay that left the amendment not yet enacted. The council discussed the legal limits of such an affirmation but said the public, signed statement provides political assurance.
City Attorney Smith explained the resolution is not legally binding until state law is changed, but said a public pledge among council members carries political weight and helps set clear expectations during the search for a permanent city manager. After debate on legal implications, councilmembers unanimously adopted the affirmation.
The council then approved a professional-services contract with Sumpter Local Government Consulting to conduct a city-manager search, citing Sumpter's prior work for Villa Rica. The vote to hire the consultant was unanimous.
Finally the council formally approved two staff appointments discussed earlier in the meeting. The council confirmed Brea Carter as Community and Economic Development Director (effective April 1, 2026) and appointed Joshua Smith as Public Works Director (effective April 27, 2026); both appointments were approved unanimously.
The council asked staff and the consultant to proceed with a city-manager recruitment process consistent with the council's stated expectations and to return with a recommended candidate and timeline once the search concludes.
