A crowded first council meeting in Mableton met with confusion

COBB COUNTY, Ga — Cobb County’s largest and newest city, Mableton, held its first city council meeting Thursday.

It was a historic meeting and a transitional one. The goal was to appoint staff that can help get the city on track to start operating financially.

However, it did come with some confusion and controversy. People who live in the new city packed the council meeting room. There was only standing room left when Mayor Michael Owens called the meeting to order.

The meeting started with public comment, and Tom Hunt was the first in line

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“I’m waiting to see what’s going to happen, what are we going to do with this city,” he told Channel Two’s Courtney Francisco before approaching council members.

Another resident, Corey Jiggets, told council, “This is one citizen who  plans to be at every single meeting that I’m physically able to, to make sure you do your job.”

The job Thursday was to appoint temporary, or interim, staff. The mayor pointed out it is a cornerstone moment to get a new city running and prepared to collect taxes by June 1.

Mayor Owens nominated Amelia Walker as City Attorney. He nominated Susan Hoitt as City Clerk.

Council unanimously approved with some reluctance. Patricia Auch asked how long they will be in office. The attorney said, according to the charter, they are in place until council decides they no longer need or want them.

There is no timeline.

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When it came time to appoint a financial consultant, the Mayor nominated Frank John.

Council members Auch, Dami Oladapo and Keisha Jeffcoat pointed out they are not familiar with some of these picks and would like time to research before voting. Council voted to go into executive session to discuss credentials and work history. After, they approved the pick unanimously.

“It’s growing pains,” said Helen Simmons. “As long as you have that mindset that it’s not going to be done right away.”

Council plans to wait to set the next transition meeting date. That’s when they will go over taxes and financial progress.

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