Lumpkin council adopts personnel ordinance, approves manager search and moves on finances amid split votes

The Lumpkin City Council on May 13 approved an update to the city’s personnel ordinance, authorized a search for a city manager and cleared several routine items while debate and disagreement marked votes on financial reporting and personnel matters.

Mayor Jimmy Babb convened the meeting at 6:01 p.m. and the council first approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes. The council then voted 4-2 to approve the April financial reports after Councilwoman Billie Malloy said she had not had time to review the packet and received some materials only the day before. "Approval of receiving the financial reports. I haven't had time to review them; I just got them yesterday," Councilwoman Malloy said during discussion.

The personnel ordinance change—filed as Ordinance 25-04 to update Chapter 15 of the code—was moved by Councilmember M. House and seconded by Councilmember B. Cullefer. The measure passed on a 4-2 vote, with Councilwoman Malloy and Councilman D. Thomas voting no. During discussion Malloy asked whether the rewrite effectively placed the mayor "over the city;" supporters said the ordinance includes council approval as a check on executive actions.

The mayor read Resolution 25-04, described in the meeting as relating to an investigation involving Animal Control employee Antonia Viera, but no council member moved the resolution and it did not advance.

Councilmember N. Seay told colleagues that the clerk had contacted a former insurance agency that estimated employee health insurance at $22,000–$25,000 per month; the clerk noted the city's current cost is about $5,800 per month. Seay moved to begin a search for a city manager; the council approved that motion 5-1 (M. House opposed).

Public-safety reports noted a juvenile received a five-year sentence related to vehicle break-ins, and police said they were patrolling the Red Hill area after reports of shootings but had not identified suspects.

During an executive-session discussion of personnel, Councilman D. Thomas moved to fire Animal Control employee Antonia Viera for "misconduct unbecoming of the city." No second was recorded and the motion failed to advance. The meeting concluded with a 6-0 vote to adjourn.

Votes at a glance

- Agenda approval: motion by B. Cullefer; second M. House; outcome 6-0. - April 8 & 15 minutes: motion by B. Cullefer; second N. Seay; outcome 6-0. - April financial reports: motion by B. Cullefer; second F. Brown; outcome 4-2 (Mallory and D. Thomas opposed). - Employee appreciation gifts (item #20): motion by B. Cullefer; second M. House; outcome 6-0. - Ordinance 25-04 (Chapter 15 personnel): motion by M. House; second B. Cullefer; outcome 4-2 (Mallory and D. Thomas opposed); ordinance adopted. - Resolution 25-04 (investigation of Antonia Viera): read aloud by the mayor; no motion made; no action taken. - City manager search: motion by N. Seay; second D. Thomas; outcome 5-1 (M. House opposed); search authorized. - Executive session (personnel): motion by D. Thomas; second B. Mallory; outcome 6-0 to enter session. Return from executive session was approved by motion of F. Brown, second M. House, 6-0. - Attempted motion to fire Animal Control employee Antonia Viera: motion by D. Thomas; no second recorded; motion failed.

What happens next

The council instructed staff to review past audit materials to determine whether financial statements should be formally "received" rather than "approved." Councilmembers also asked staff to gather prior motions and additional details on trash pickup pricing for follow-up. The city manager search will proceed per the council's vote.