WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins officials could not come to an agreement on whether to approve changes to the city's current charter. They are tied on whether or not they want to create a city manager position.
Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms and city council met Monday evening to decide. Council has discussed the topic since October after representative Heath Clark called the lines of authority in the charter "confusing."
At the beginning of the meeting, people in the crowd had questions about why Post 2 councilman Charlie Bibb was not sworn in immediately to fill councilwoman Carolyn Robbins' vacant seat.
Bibb had an explanation of his own.
"Because they don't want my vote tonight. That is exactly why I'm not being put on the council seat," said Bibb.
Mayor Randy Toms says he understands why people question why Larry Curtis took his seat after city councilman Mike Davis died.
"That was a long time for us to go without somebody. This has only been a short while," said Toms.
Eventually, there was discussion whether to create a city manager position or not. Rick Caswell was at the meeting and says he was in favor of change.
"Yeah, the charter needs to be changed. I've tried to read that thing and there's so many loops and downs and everything, it's hard to understand," said Caswell.
People like Merrell Huffstatler was not in favor of it so soon.
"It would be irresponsible for a lame duck council to vote in a change in the charter this early," said Huffstatler.
Council members Larry Curtis, Tim Thomas, and Daron Lee voted for the position. Mayor Toms and council members Clifford Holmes and Keith Lauritsen voted against it, stalling the decision.
The city manager would answer to mayor and council. The city manager would have the power to hire, fire, and oversee city employees.
It's a position Toms says he's not in favor of, but he suggested a different option.
"A city administrator of some form, I'm OK with in helping day-to-day operations, especially around city hall," said Toms.
Toms says the tied vote gives new council members a chance to weigh in.
"What happens next is two new people come on and we get a chance get your input, which is what we should have done all along," said Toms.
In January, new council members Charlie Bibb and Kevin Lashley will be sworn in. The Warner Robins council will then have further discussion before setting a date and time on when to vote. If council members vote to hire a city manager next year, the plan will move to the General Assembly for approval.
RELATED: 'Disorder and confusion:' Rep. Heath Clark says it's time for charter changes in Warner Robins
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