News Summary
Former city administrator Fred Russell has proposed significant shifts in Augusta’s hiring practices, suggesting that commission approval may hinder the selection of qualified department directors. Russell advocates for a strong manager form of government to streamline operations. While some commissioners support these changes, others remain hesitant. Recent resignations within city departments highlight leadership instability, making the Charter Review Committee’s evaluations crucial as the city navigates these transitions.
Augusta is facing significant changes in its hiring practices as former city administrator Fred Russell urged the Charter Review Committee to consider a shift in how department directors are appointed. Russell’s proposal suggests that commission votes should not be a requirement in the hiring process, arguing that the current system can hinder the hiring of skilled individuals.
During the recent discussions, Russell highlighted that a strong manager form of government, where a city manager has the authority to hire and fire department heads, would streamline operations and attract qualified candidates. Under the existing charter, the Augusta Commission has the power to approve all hires for department director positions, which Russell believes can prevent the best candidates from being selected.
Support for Russell’s perspective came from Commissioner Tina Slendak, who asserted the importance of allowing managers to effectively manage their departments without being hindered by the commission’s involvement. However, not all commissioners shared this view. Commissioner Francine Scott expressed her hesitance to endorse immediate changes to the hiring process, indicating a divide among commission members regarding the proposed alteration of hiring authority.
The Charter Review Committee is currently examining potential changes to the city charter, and Russell’s suggestions represent a significant shift in hiring policy. Committee member Lonnie Wimberly emphasized the necessity of being open to change, mirroring the challenges the city faces in attracting and retaining top-tier managerial talent.
These discussions come on the heels of recent turbulence within Augusta’s city departments, marked by notable resignations. John Ussery, assistant director of Augusta’s Department of Traffic Engineering, is stepping down after nearly a decade of service, a tenure that included involvement in traffic planning for high-profile events like the Masters Tournament. His departure adds to the ongoing concerns regarding leadership stability within the city’s administration.
Additionally, Hawthorne Welcher, head of the Housing and Community Development department, has resigned, effective immediately or within a time frame determined by city regulations. Welcher’s resignation follows a period of leave that began on April 2 while the department underwent an internal audit. His suspension was prompted by a visit from the FBI to the city Finance department regarding spending records, although no specifics regarding the FBI’s investigation have been publicly disclosed.
Welcher’s resignation is further complicated by recent developments involving the U.S. Treasury’s demand for the city to refund $6.5 million in rental assistance grant funds. He was aware of this refund requirement since November 8, but did not inform his superiors until March 21, an oversight that ultimately led to the Augusta Commission’s decision on April 1 to authorize the refund, attributing the matter to unspent funds. Reports indicate that Welcher’s department lacked the financial resources to cover this refund, creating additional strain on city operations.
The current state of Augusta’s city administration, compounded by resignations and proposed changes in hiring policies, highlights a critical moment for leadership and governance in the local government. As the Charter Review Committee deliberates on potential changes to the hiring process, the outcomes may redefine the structure of authority within Augusta’s city departments. The community will be watching closely as these discussions evolve and the city navigates through its leadership transitions.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Augusta Assistant Traffic Engineering Director Resigns
- WJBF: Assistant Director of Augusta Traffic Engineering to Resign
- The Augusta Press: Augusta Department Director Resigns
- AJC: Veterans Affairs Puts Augusta Health Director on Leave
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
