The Americus City Council met on October 17. The Council discussed an invoice from Maudlin and Jenkins for $35,000. City Manager Diadra Powell stated the cost was for additional fees. “This is in addition to the original price that they had for the audit.”

Council member Nicole Smith questioned Powell. “What were the additional fees?”

Powell stated that the representative didn’t list them, but replied; “I can certainly ask her for additional details.”

Council member Daryl Dowdell questioned the invoice. “I don’t understand why they would send us a $35,000 bill and not tell us what it’s for, break-down.”

Powell did note there was correspondence about the issue. Council member Nelson Brown questioned Powell if she was satisfied that it was warranted. Powell said that she was able to reduce the original cost. “It was actually more than this when we initially talked.”

After further questioning by Dowell, Powel noted she could provide details via email as to the reason for the additional expense.

Fire Chief Roger Bivins came before the Council, requesting an approval for emergency repairs on Fire Engine #14 for $19,710.93. Bivins stated the engine was 15 years old. He mentioned attempts to repair it were ineffective. “They got in there, the pump, everything going into it, just gone. It’s gotta be replaced. It won’t hold water.”

Council member Nelson Brown made a motion, seconded by Council member Charles Christmas, passing unanimously.

The Americus City Police Department was granted permission to apply for the 2024 Jag grant.

Major Alfonson Ross brought a request to accept the second lowest bid for equipping new police cars at $85,667.4, as the lowest bidder did not include all the equipment listed in the specs, disqualifying them.

Public works director George Allen made a request to pay Griffin Grading $203,300.42 for the LMIG resurfacing grading. Dowdell objected to putting the request on the consent agenda.

City Council member Charles Christmas praised Allen for his response to a waterline problem on Elm. City Council member Nicole Smith also praised Allen for his prompt response to citizen complaints.

Smith also questioned Powell on progress in finding a new finance director. Powell replied; “We are actively recruiting for that particular position.”

Allen updated the Council on the effort to put division names on trucks. “I need to get an update of where we are, but we should be almost complete with that.”

Smith asked whether all City police vehicles have cameras. Ross replied that none did because of budget constraints and the cost of cameras. “Every officer [has] body cameras, but we have no dash cameras.”

Brown commented. “We need a camera in every car.” He addressed budgetary restraints. “I’m not going to refuse it.”

There is a food give away at the EOC on Nov 16th, starting at 11 am at 901 Adderton St.

Brown’s property at 227 Barnum Drive recently appeared in the legals. Years that taxes are due are listed from 2021 to 2023.

Brown commented on the property. “My son take care of that. It’s under my name.”

When asked if he managed it at all, he replied; “No I don’t.”

When asked if he still technically owed taxes on the property, he replied; “Well if you get technical yes.”

When asked if someone has to sign a waiver that they owe no taxes before running for office, he replied; “Before they run for office, yes.”