Milledgeville City Manager decides not to appeal Special Master’s findings

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Milledgeville City Manager will not appeal the Special Master’s findings on ethics complaints filed by residents.

In February, the Special Master, Patrick Longan, recommended City Council remove Barry Jarrett from his position. Longan claimed Jarrett violated his authority when he withdrew 5.1 million dollars from Century Bank and Trust and invested it with Wells Fargo last year.

City Council decided not to take action because Jarrett could have filed an appeal.

Jarrett released the following statement to 41NBC:
        “Although I strongly disagree with the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Special Master in the recent ethics case, I have         decided not to appeal his decision.  In my opinion, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Milledgeville for this long and contentious         proceeding to end now.  In my many years of service to the City of Milledgeville, I have always strived to do what is best for the City and its         citizens and it is in this spirit that I decided not to pursue an appeal.“

Acting Mayor Jeanette Walden expects council to make a decision about the Special Master’s findings at its meeting next Tuesday. Board members can decide to follow or ignore the recommendation to remove Jarrett as City Manager. She also tells 41NBC she agrees with Jarrett and feels this has gone on too long. She adds it’s in the best interest of the citizens of Milledgeville to move forward.