Mayor confirms councilman request to rescind vote, says Bazemore's reason for resignation in letter was different than what he and council had been told and discrepancy was concerning.

This afternoon, mayor Bailey responded via email to questions Richard Crabbe had sent him via email yesterday.

Bailey started by saying he is “still working through all the nuances of a city administrator resignation.”

In response to the reason for the vote to request deBin’s resignation Bailey said “There were a variety of reasons why the council voted to ask for his resignation. Some of those were discussed regarding to Councilman Cullars letter dated from February. Last night was the first time I had seen or known about the letter.”

Bailey confirmed deBin did go to city hall on Monday night after the council meeting. Bailey said  “I contacted the sheriff's department to meet me there however, by the time I got out of my front door he was pulling away. I went to city hall and looked and only his personal items were removed. We had already ensured he could not access any accounts, personnel records, or billing system. As for his not being at city hall this am, he is working on his resignation letter and advised me he should have it to me by this evening.” 

To Crabbe’s question of Debbie Bazemore’s resignation letter Bailey said “Ms. Bazemore did provide a letter to me, and city council. While the letter stated her reasoning it was different than what we (mayor and city council) had been told. This was eye opening.”

Regarding the utility deposit refunds Bailey stated “There has been some differences in opinions regarding this matter. We have chosen to let the electric committee review and make a recommendation we can then vote on. I am working diligently to provide the leadership for the city to ensure the citizens are taken care of. Please bear with me and the city council as we work to change some things and streamline others. I promised to do what was right for the citizens and to be transparent as possible. I made an executive decision to ensure open record request are going to be handled timely and appropriately.” 

On the question of severance for deBin Bailey answered “The charter states he has a 6-month severance package in which we are discussing with legal and Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to ensure we follow the ordinances to the letter.”   

Bailey confirmed changes in one council member’s vote regarding deBin’s termination but he didn’t name the council members. “ I have had one council member ask to rescind his yes to a no vote. Another council member called but did not change their vote. I advised they would need to get with the other council members (at least 4) and ask for a called meeting to make the requests public at a meeting. I have not heard anything else from anyone.

He said he is still waiting on deBin’s resignation.

Bailey ended by saying “I apologize for the delay as this is a new experience for me and wanting to make sure I provided correct information.”