MEIGS, Ga. — Meigs City Manager Rhonda Brown and City Attorney Thomas L. Lehman both submitted their resignations on October 13, according to information released by WALB. Brown cited a hostile work environment and a dysfunctional city council as reasons for her decision to step down. Lehman's resignation was effective October 16, while Brown's last day of employment is set for October 27.
Brown, who served as Meigs city manager for two and a half years, stated she was recruited by council members, having previously served as mayor pro tem in Pelham. She initially declined the position, noting "the history of Meigs," but later accepted, saying she aimed to help the city move away from what she called a corrupt history.
In her resignation letter, Brown listed several accomplishments during her tenure. She stated the city passed its fiscal year 2025 audit after a history of failed audits, which she said places the city in good standing with the state and ensures continued receipt of state assistance after a previous threat of funding cutoff.
Brown's letter also cited significant grant work, including $5,000 from BRACE for the Keep Meigs Beautiful program, $1 million from CDBG for water improvement, over $6 million from GEFA for water improvement, and over $40,000 from LMIG for road repairs. A $50,000 T-Mobile grant for playground equipment, however, was not approved. She noted efforts to negotiate the sale or contribution of downtown properties for development, which did not succeed, and a presentation to the council about painting sidewalks and facades downtown also did not move forward. Additionally, Brown stated she procured a new sidewalk from town to Dollar General and requested the Georgia Department of Transportation for signs, lights, and construction at the intersection of Highway 111 and Highway 19. The city also coordinated efforts for City Hall renovation but could not afford the architectural and engineering fees. Brown also said that since back taxes were recovered, residents have been paying property taxes on time.
Regarding the city council, Brown claimed members did not discuss city business with her throughout her tenure. She reported documenting charter violations, malfeasance, code violations, conflicts of interest, and an Open Meetings Act violation over two and a half years. Brown stated that personal attacks during council meetings, including from a community member, contributed to her decision. She expressed concerns about transparency within city leadership, noting a screenshot where a council member’s family member wrote, “I’m glad she’s gone. Let’s take our city back.” Brown also stated that council members have not attended government training during her time in the position, believing the state should mandate training for city council members and other elected officials. She said, "When you have people in government that are not knowledgeable of government, they don’t really know how to serve their community," and encouraged residents to elect knowledgeable officials with the community's best interests in mind.
City Attorney Thomas L. Lehman's resignation letter, also submitted on October 13, was brief, stating, "I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the city attorney and wish you the best in the future."
Meigs Mayor Cynthia Anderson responded to inquiries about the resignations on October 16. Mayor Anderson stated that the City Council votes on the allocation and use of city funds based on recommendations, and council members do not personally prepare or print checks. She added that any allegation of financial misconduct should be supported by documentation and reviewed through appropriate channels. The Mayor stated she was not aware of any substantiated violation of the oath of office or City Charter, and that concerns should be referred to the City Attorney for review. She noted that elected officials have not taken formal action in response to the allegations, emphasizing the distinction between allegations and established facts.
Mayor Anderson acknowledged that public service involves scrutiny, disagreement, and accountability, and that communication should be respectful. She stated that the city's priority during this transition is to maintain essential municipal services and daily operations. She explained that the city has operated without a City Manager in the past and will rely on the long-serving City Clerk, staff, and contractual support. As Mayor, she will assist with the Mayor Pro Tem and City Clerk to address immediate needs. Anderson affirmed that the city would consider appropriate steps for reviewing the allegations, ensuring any review is objective and guided by facts and laws. She confirmed the city has begun receiving résumés for the City Manager position and will develop a job advertisement to identify a candidate whose experience, leadership, and professional values align with the city’s needs, seeking leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and professionalism.