Mayor Gary E. Jones

I’m proud to report to you that at the Grovetown City Council Meeting tonight, a 7.5 % pay increase across the board for all employees was approved. Additionally, the minimum wage was approved to be raised to $15 per hour. I appointed Councilwoman Fisher as the Chair and Councilwoman Martin to serve on a salary study committee. Both of these Council Women worked hard conducting this salary study. Behind the scenes, Mayor Jones, Councilman Blair and Councilwoman Smith were meeting with and speaking with our Finance Director to see how we could fund this action. Our findings were that if we leave the millage rate at 7.62 and not roll it back, the increase in the tax digest would provide us with approximately $350,000 in revenue. We can also use some of the American Rescue Federal funds and we have a contingency source as well. These raises will make the City of Grovetown more attractive and competitive on the job market. Qualified and happy employees, equate to a more professional work force that will be more effective and efficient. This action was a group effort and ALL of your elected officials deserve the credit.

POLITICS.....With today's turmoil and uncertainty, with the decreasing respect for ALL officials, one may ask the question, why would a person jump into the political arena in the first place. I think some do it for money and fringe benefits, some do it for fame and power, some do it for all of the wrong reasons and finally some do it because they truly care and want to make a difference. Thankfully, I am one of the one's who wants to make a difference because I do care. I have subjected myself to public scrutiny and my entire life, good and bad, has been exposed. To those that support me I sincerely thank you. To my critics and doubters, I hope to gain your support. To my enemies and haters, I will do for you just as much as I do for my strongest supporters.....NO HATE or revenge here. I'm in this for the long haul, to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, regardless as to whether you live in a fine home or a rundown mobile home. I am a Mayor for the people.

UPDATE- Last Wednesday the United States Treasury Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Grovetown's City Hall after a three-month investigation into the city's financial transactions. This is an ongoing criminal investigation, whereas large amounts of money has been stolen and money has been laundered. Numerous city employees have been interviewed and more interviews are forthcoming. These types of investigations into "white collar" crimes are very lengthy and detailed, which means tangible results will not be obvious at this point. The two federal agents working together, without a doubt, are valuable assets to the government and they have done some outstanding work. As the Mayor, I provided evidence that was sufficient enough to launch this investigation, and as such, I have seen the investigative facts as they unfolded just prior to the search warrant. In closing let me add that many changes are going to be coming in the very near future to prevent the city from being victimized again in this manner. Truthfully, you the citizens are victims as equal, if not more than the city. Have faith that I will aggressively seek prosecution and restitution to the fullest extent of the law. Look for updates as they progress and thank you all....not just my supporters, but each and every citizen that has reached out and stood up for what is right. Our city will get through this setback and will become stronger as a result.