Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Ethics And Litigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cusseta–Chattahoochee commissioner denies homestead fraud after resident alleges mismanagement; board holds closed legal session
Summary
A resident accused county officials of mismanagement, nepotism and retaliation at the Nov. 12 commission meeting; Chairman Charles Coffey denied the tax-fraud charge and the commission entered executive session to discuss legal matters, reconvening without votes.
Warren Williams told the Unified Government of Cusseta–Chattahoochee County commission on Nov. 12 that residents "feel ignored and disrespected" and accused county leaders of mismanagement, targeted tax assessments, and hiring friends and family. "It is not about race, color, gender, it is about human decency and respect and integrity," Williams said during public comment.
Commissioner Damon Hoyte said he would investigate the allegations about Facebook comment moderation and pledged that "retaliation will not be tolerated," but said some claims would require a response from Chairman Charles Coffey.
Chairman Coffey directly addressed the homestead-exemption allegation. He denied owing the county money and said filing a homestead requires a written request, asserting he had filed for homestead on only one property. "There is nothing that this county has that I want or desire," Coffey said, adding he serves to improve the county.
The board later voted unanimously to enter an executive session at 10:46 a.m. to discuss legal matters; Commissioner Jason Frost moved and Commissioner Gerald Douglas seconded the motion. The meeting reconvened at 11:30 a.m., and Coffey told the public the closed-session topics were "within the legal exceptions to the open meetings law" and involved legal issues; he said no votes were taken while the session was closed.
Old-business remarks recorded in the minutes indicated the county has filed an answer seeking dismissal in an appeal related to litigation involving Commissioner Hoyte, and that the county attorney is coordinating with the cemetery committee on an ordinance. The minutes also note the county manager told the board HB 581 "did pass" and that the county is automatically enrolled but may opt out later subject to process.
Next steps: commissioners scheduled several related items for future meetings, including continued work on cemetery bylaws and a public hearing on SPLOST rescheduled for Dec. 3. The minutes do not record additional findings or disciplinary action resulting from Williams' comments; the transcript shows Coffey and Hoyte said they would pursue inquiries where appropriate.
