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Interim DeKalb CEO has first meeting with county employees

DECATUR, Ga. —
DeKalb County's newly appointed CEO held his first employee meeting Thursday.

Lee May addressed nearly 200 employees in the Manuel Maloof Auditorium.

May opened up the meeting by speaking about his goals, which include gaining the trust of employees and residents of DeKalb County.

Last week, Gov. Nathan Deal removed Burrell Ellis from the CEO position. A grand jury indicted Ellis in June and is facing 15 charges, most of which are felonies. Deal appointed May to Ellis' seat.

"I just wanted to make sure you hear directly from me what is going on," May told the employees.

May said he understands many may be concerned by the change in leadership but he is committed to the job. He also mentioned he is well aware he is in the position temporarily.

"In this window, the biggest unknown that I have in this role is I don't know how much time I have. I do know in this window we are going to do as much good as we can in this moment and we are going to do that together," he said.

That comment led to applause from the audience.

May also took questions. Several people asked about possible pay raises. May said he supports the idea but the county needs to figure out how to pay for them.