BLUE RIDGE, Ga –  Georgia Speaker of the House and District 7 Representative David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge) issued a response concerning the proposal of a city manager for Blue Ridge.

Ralston stated that he does not have “a position on the merits of this idea.  [His] only objective is to be sure that a change in city government of this magnitude be made openly and based on the facts.  It should not be based on personalities and rumors.” He’s also glad to discuss the issue.

In an FYN obtained email, Ralston informed citizen Richard Arnold that before December 30, 2020, no one had contacted him about changing city government. Mr. Balli was the individual who forwarded a letter and proposed bill. After investigating the matter further, the Speaker of the House uncovered that there had “been little to no public discussion prior to city council action” and two council members were absent at the time of the vote.

“A few days later, I met with Mr. Balli at the State Capitol and expressed concerns with the unknown cost of the proposal and its potential for expanding the size of government,” Ralston explained. “The more serious concern I had was the lack of public hearings.  During the pre-pandemic portion of the 2020 session, opponents of the annexation proposal, then under consideration, argued forcefully for public hearings.  Because I shared their desire to have more information, the annexation plan was tabled.”

He went on to further explain that the bill didn’t take into account taxpayer cost, salary, or benefits package.

According to Ralston, 92 cities in Georgia are comparable in size to Blue Ridge and only 35 have city managers. Those individuals’ annual salaries, excluding benefits, range from $50,000 to $90,000.

The proposed bill also lacked a job description.

“Candidly, I believe strongly that the residents of Blue Ridge deserve more information and the opportunity to have a public discussion before this bill moves forward,” Ralston remarked.

He ended with advising that proponents for a city manager “build a strong and clear consensus” and that the bill could be considered during the 2022 General Assembly.

Read the entire email below:

Mr. Arnold:

Thank you for your email dated June 16, 2021 regarding a proposal to implement a City Manager form of government for the City of Blue Ridge.

I apologize for not responding to the email you sent previously.  However, I have no record of receiving such an email from you.  In fact, but for City Attorney Balli forwarding yours of June 16, I would not have received it.

But I am happy to share with you my views on this issue.

On or about December 30, 2020, Mr. Balli did forward to me a letter and proposed bill.  Prior to that date, I had not been contacted by anyone with the City of Blue Ridge government or any citizen expressing a desire for such a major change in city government.  Upon investigation, I learned that there had been little to no public discussion prior to city council action and that two of the council members were absent when the vote was taken.

A few days later, I met with Mr. Balli at the State Capitol and expressed concerns with the unknown cost of the proposal and its potential for expanding the size of government.

The more serious concern I had was the lack of public hearings.  During the pre-pandemic portion of the 2020 session, opponents of the annexation proposal, then under consideration, argued forcefully for public hearings.  Because I shared their desire to have more information, the annexation plan was tabled.

It is my opinion that this proposal to change the form of government is at least equally deserving of public explanation and discussion.

The bill does not address basic but important questions:  what will be the cost to the taxpayers of Blue Ridge?  How much will the annual salary be? What will be the benefit package in terms of insurance, retirement, phone and vehicle and what is the total cost.

My research indicates that of 92 cities in Georgia comparable in size to Blue Ridge, only 35 have a city manager form of government.  the annual salary (exclusive of any benefits) ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year.

Some of those cities report having to add additional support staff to assist the city manager.

Another issue not addressed is the lack of a job description.  This is an interesting omission because the bill provides that this position would be that of the Chief Executive Officer who answers only to the City Council.

Candidly, I believe strongly that the residents of Blue Ridge deserve more information and the opportunity to have a public discussion before this bill moves forward.

Let me be very clear:  I do not have a position on the merits of this idea.  My only objective is to be sure that a change in city government of this magnitude be made openly and based on the facts.  It should not be based on personalities and rumors.

I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish on behalf of the City since I have been Speaker.  I continue to want only the very best for the place that is home to me.

The 2022 session of the General Assembly will convene on January 10, 2022.  If the advocates for this plan wish to build a clear and strong consensus for this change the bill can be considered during that session.

David Ralston

Representative, House District 7

Speaker, Georgia House of Representatives