Macon City Council Plans Hearing For Richard Powell

Macon City Council members decided to hold a hearing for former Director of Public Works Richard Powell. Mayor Robert Reichert fired Powell in February and Powell says that decision was unfair.

City Council President James Timley said the hearing will follow normal council procedures, allowing each member to express their views on Powell’s termination and possible reinstatement.

Councilman Henry Ficklin says the decision to let Powell have a hearing is a major step forward.

“This has been a long, drawn out process,” Ficklin said. “And certainly I think that that weighs against Mr. Powell. I think that the process–now that it’s up and going–is going to be fair for him and I’m glad to see it come to fruition.”

The Council plans to bring in an administrative law judge to make a recommendation on whether to reinstate Powell. They also say they will schedule the hearing as soon as possible.