Barry Brooks to serve in interim role during search for permanent Dougherty County administrator

ALBANY — The assistant Dougherty County administrator whose hiring precipitated the firing of former Administrator Michael McCoy will remain in the position and is anticipated to lead county government until a permanent replacement is found for McCoy.

Dougherty County commissioners terminated McCoy’s contract on May 22 in a 4-3 vote. Commission Chairman Lorenzo Heard made the motion that also included a provision to rescind the hiring of Barry Brooks in the assistant administrator’s role.

In a procedural vote, the board rescinded the firing of McCoy on June 6 because there was a question about the legality of calling the initial vote without the unanimous consent of all commissioners since the issue was not on the meeting agenda at the work session meeting. However, Heard immediately moved to fire McCoy and was again joined by Commissioners Victor Edwards, Gloria Gaines and Clinton Johnson in the vote to terminate the one-year contract approved in December 2022.

At the time, Heard said the action was taken for “just cause” for not exercising good judgment by making the assistant administrator’s appointment without discussing it with the board beforehand.

During that meeting, when asked by Commissioner Russell Gray whether Brooks would take on the assistant administrator’s role, Heard responded, “No.”

At that time County Attorney Alex Shalishlia said, “Yes, that is my understanding,” meaning that Brooks’ job offer would be honored.

The county charter states the county administrator is responsible for all hiring decisions with the exceptions of the chief of police and the county attorney.

On Monday, Heard said that Brooks is the permanent assistant administrator and that there will be no additional effort made to oust him from the position. Brooks also will run day-to-day county government until McCoy’s replacement is hired.

“Barry’s going to serve until we get a new county administrator,” Heard said.

McCoy has requested a public hearing before the commission, and that hearing is scheduled for Monday.

“He has a right within our code,” Heard said. “He has a right to request a public hearing. He’ll have his opportunity to make his case on why he ought to be considered again for county administrator. He (will) make his appeal, his case, on why he should be reconsidered.”

When it comes to hiring a new county administrator, the chairman said that he is looking at someone who can boost the county economically and through bringing in grant funding.

“I want the new administrator dedicated to economic development and helping to look for all the funds that could be available so that we can maximize the dollars that come to Albany/Dougherty County,” Heard said. “With economic development, we can increase our tax digest. That’s our whole goal.”

The commission chairman said improving housing is another issue on which he would like to focus.

“We’ve got to focus on housing that is decent, that is safe, that is affordable at that person’s (income) level,” he said.

Brooks was hired using the proper procedures during the time that McCoy was authorized to make the hiring decision, Gray said. Brooks was selected by a panel of county department heads who conducted interviews and rated the candidates.

The top candidate, as evaluated by that group, declined the position, and Brooks, who was rated second, accepted.

“Legally Barry was already an employee when the motion was made on the 22nd to relieve McCoy of his duties and rescind the offer to Barry Brooks,” Gray said. “Very clearly in the ordinances of Dougherty County, it says the county administrator has sole authority in hiring and firing any employee other than the county administrator, chief of police and county attorney.

“I’m very comfortable with Barry in the interim position. There’s nobody I could think of that could come in and do a better job. Right now, we’re in a steady state and can begin the process of looking for a full-time person to replace Mike McCoy.”

Edwards said he also is comfortable with Brooks serving in an interim role.

“Mr. Barry has a wide world of experience,” Edwards said. “He understands government, not just county government, he understands how the wheels roll.”

Brooks attended a neighborhood watch meeting in Radium Springs last week and after the subject of demolishing an unused fire station was broached, immediately began making calls about the issue, Edwards said.

“I think he’s going to be an asset,” the District 3 commissioner said. “He was very enthusiastic. I’m very excited about him being here. You, as a commissioner, want to know that that second person is coming here and going to have a good relationship and get things done.”

Edwards also predicted the board will be able to move on from the divisive firing of McCoy.

“We’re going to get past these things, and we’re going to hire a good administrator and we’re going to be alright,” he said.

Special Photo: Dougherty County