Fort Valley council meets after cancellation notice, approves key hires

(From: The City of Fort Valley Facebook page)

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Fort Valley City Council members moved forward with a scheduled meeting at 6:30 PM Thursday despite a notice posted earlier on the city’s Facebook page stating the meeting had been canceled.

The post published at 5:56 PM cited the absence of the city attorney as the reason for cancellation. However, council members convened and conducted business as scheduled.

Mayor Shakeena Reeves was not present for the meeting.

Questions raised about cancellation

During the meeting, Councilwoman Juanita Bryant questioned the cancellation, citing the city charter.

“Our charter states that on the third Thursday of every month, it is the official council meeting… and it was canceled… which is illegal,” Bryant said.

Council members amended the agenda to include several items, including hiring decisions, activation of the Fort Valley Development Authority, nonprofit payments, and a resolution related to state legislation.

The amendments were introduced by multiple members, including Councilwoman Laronda Eason, Councilman Alton Howard, and Bryant.

Police chief appointment draws debate

Councilman Alton Howard made a motion to remove the interim designation from David Wilson and appoint him as permanent police chief. The motion was seconded by Eason.

The decision prompted discussion among council members. Councilwoman Sandra Marshall raised concerns about the hiring process and qualifications, while Eason said Wilson had been part of a list of applicants provided through the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.

Council ultimately approved the appointment.

Fire chief and city administrator hires approved

Bryant made a motion to appoint Brandon Walker as fire chief, which was approved.

Eason later made a motion to hire LeMario Brown as a temporary city administrator for six months. During the discussion, council members raised questions about whether Brown had submitted a letter of interest or gone through the application process, while others focused on the urgent need to fill the role.

Councilwoman Laronda Eason said the council is not in City Hall daily and cannot manage day-to-day administrative duties, adding that city business must be addressed throughout the week. She cited concerns she said were already affecting the city, including potential loss of tax revenue tied to areas along Highway 96 and nearby roads, as well as annexation activity by neighboring Byron.

Council approved the hiring of Brown.

Council discusses potential impacts tied to Byron and state legislation

During the meeting, council members also discussed concerns about potential changes involving the city of Byron.

Councilman Henry Howard said the city could be at risk of losing property and a fire station, referencing legislation affecting areas along Highway 96.

Councilwoman Laronda Eason and others also referenced House Bills 155 and 1550, with the council later voting to send a letter to Brian Kemp opposing the measures.