Council member Nelson Brown addressed the Americus City Council during the April 17 meeting on House Bill 766. The Bill would provide for a study to find out if a merger between the Sumter County government and the Americus City Council would be practical, with the option for other cities in the County to opt in. Eight counties in the State of Georgia have a consolidated government.

Brown noted several aspects of consolidation he believed citizens should be aware of. He pointed out the current number of representatives in the County from the Board of Commissioners to the municipal city councils, expressing concern that the number of representatives would likely be reduced if a merger occurred.
The bill was sponsored by representative Mike Cheokas. Brown expressed concerns over transparency, as he was unaware that the bill was in the House. Other representatives were also unaware until it passed the House. The Bill would still need to pass the Senate, which is currently out of session. Brown felt it was especially concerning that the elected representatives of the people were unaware of the measure.

Brown also had questions about how the six members that were proposed to lead the study had been chosen, which include the Chair of the Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Americus, the Chair of One Sumter, the President of the Americus-Sumter Payroll Development Authority, and two at-large members of the business community appointed by the governing authority of Sumter County.

Other members of the Council expressed their concerns. Council member Terence Clemons received calls by citizens about the bill. He expressed a desire for open conversation. “It seems like it’s disrespectful and a slap in the face.” He was also concerned about representation. “My seat might no longer be here, and somebody else’s might no longer be here, so its concerning.”

Council member Kelvin Pless also criticized those who were not transparent. “I was just disgusted at how you could have the audacity, the fact that you could overthrow the people’s vote to do what you want to do. That was very disrespectful to democracy.”

Council member Nicole Smith expressed similar concerns about being informed to better serve the citizens. “When you all call me, I should be able to answer.” Smith questioned Mayor Lee Kinnamon, asking if he knew about the measure.

“I did not.” Kinnamon stated he learned about it after it passed the House. “Whatever group that had brought this forward to representative Cheokas had asked that I not be notified until after it had passed the House, after which I notified ya’ll.”

Pless still criticized Kinnamon. “You signed on to it regardless.”

Kinnamon stated that he was asked to provide a letter of personal support. “It is unfortunate that it was handled that way.” He expressed concerns that if consolidation turned out to be a good option, the means used to promote it would cloud people’s opinion. Kinnamon also stated that he was not in favor of anything but a study.

Pless remained critical. “I care a lot for you, but I just don’t think you made a wise decision to do that.”
“That very well may be, and I’ll own that.”

Senator Freddie Powell Sims plans on making an appearance at the next City Council meeting on April 24 to speak about the bill.