Augusta Commission Member Steps Away, New City Administrator Hired Amid Hurricane Cleanup
In Augusta, Georgia, some significant changes are unfolding as Commission member Brandon Garrett has announced that he will be stepping back from his role to focus on his family and mental health. This news arrived during a recent city meeting, where commissioners took care of several pressing matters, including a major cleanup effort following Hurricane Helene.
Brandon Garrett Takes a Break
Commissioner Garrett indicated during a meeting that he needs to take a break from city business. He didn’t specify how long he plans to be away, but he expressed optimism about returning soon. In the meantime, Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle will be stepping in to handle needs for District 8.
New Leadership: Tameka Allen as City Administrator
A big highlight from the meeting was the commission’s decision to approve a four-year contract for Tameka Allen, who will serve as the new City Administrator. Allen’s contract comes with an annual salary of $230,000. She was hired just last month, on September 24, after leading the city’s information technology department.
Her hiring marks a significant shift for Augusta, especially following the abrupt resignation of her predecessor, Takiyah Douse. Douse had been in the role of interim administrator for over two years before exiting, along with two other department heads. This change occurred during the same meeting Garrett announced his plans to step back, underscoring the rapidly evolving dynamics in Augusta’s leadership.
Cleaning Up After Hurricane Helene
As the city continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Augusta Commission also took measures to facilitate a smoother recovery process. They authorized the allocation of millions of dollars in funding aimed at clearing debris from city roads. In total, commissioners approved $2.5 million for damage costs related to city-owned facilities and an additional $3.1 million to cover expenses for at least 13 contractors who initiated cleanup efforts right after the storm.
City Administrator Allen mentioned that it would take some time to fully restore normalcy in Augusta. She noted the importance of this funding to address both storm-related damage and other issues, such as leaning trees that homeowners may be concerned about. Currently, crews have successfully cleared about 190,000 cubic yards of debris from Richmond County, a massive undertaking that clearly underscores the scale of the storm’s impact.
A Temporary Pause in Recycling Collection
As part of the recovery plan, the city also made the tough decision to temporarily suspend recycling collection until further notice. This pause aims to streamline efforts towards the immediate needs posed by the storm’s aftermath.
After the storm hit, roads were largely impassable, but Augusta has gradually been returning to normal. Administrator Allen reassured residents that progress is being made, noting that only five traffic lights remain out of service at this time. “We just ask our citizens to continue to be patient and know that you have a good team working hard to restore normalcy,” she shared, highlighting the dedication of the city’s workers.
Looking Ahead
As Augusta continues with its cleanup efforts, city officials and residents alike are hopeful for a prompt return to regular daily life. With strong leadership in place and substantial resources dedicated to recovery, the community is coming together to overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.
The upcoming weeks and months will be pivotal as Augusta navigates the restoration process, and residents are encouraged to stay engaged and supportive as their city takes these necessary steps.
