PINEVIEW, Ga. — Right now, some people in Pineview are trying to figure out where their money is going now that their mayor's been suspended.
In March, a grand jury indicted Brandon Holt on 75 counts of theft. He allegedly stole about $62,000 from the city.
In April, Governor Kemp suspended Holt as mayor, leaving the mayor pro tem Catherine Lewis in charge. Former mayor Marvin Talley says he believes Lewis doesn't know how to operate the city because simple paperwork isn't being handled properly.
Pineview native Chester Jackson says the city doesn't have any certified or qualified employees.
"I saw a water line that was leaking for a whole week, and I'm like, 'Is anyone going to fix it?'" Jackson said. "I know a few administrators back they were certified and qualified to fix stuff like that because we're a small town, and we don't have that much money. We get grants and stuff to try to help us out and so, I just want to know, where the money at?"
To people in Pineview, news of Brandon Holt's arrest was a shock. Talley says "it was unbelievable" how much went wrong when he heard the news.
Talley served as Pineview's mayor for more than 20 years. He says he questioned how the city administration could let this happen. When people pay their bills, the money goes to the city.
"They cash them but we don't know where the money goes," Talley said.
Talley hoped to speak at their next upcoming public meeting and wrote to have time to speak. He received a letter stating he wasn't allowed to speak because he didn't have a reason. Talley provided 13WMAZ with a list of issues he has with the city including concerns about city clerk Ashley Kendrick.
Two years ago, when Holt was mayor, there was over $308,000 in city funds. In the indictment, Holt allegedly stole over $65,000 from 75 separate cash app transactions from June 26, 2020, to October 11, 2023.
Holt also allegedly stole more than $22,000 from a Macon business through identity fraud. In February, the mayor's house was shot for the second time in three months.
It all culminated with a letter from the governor in April, ousting Holt from office until the case is resolved. A review commission recommended the suspension.
Talley hoped the city would get a new fire station but hasn't heard any updates since Holt's suspension. He says the city raised the water bill to $10 more. He says that's not a problem for him but that can be a lot to other residents.
He says he wants the city to care more about its people.