VR council ok’s resolution to terminate McDougal | Douglasville Sentinel

McDougal’s appointment, recommended by Tom Barber, was approved in a 3-2 split vote during its Feb. 13 meeting. However, a few weeks later on March 4, during executive session — following a review of actions taken by council and taking into account public comments — McDougal’s position was rescinded and he was transferred to the position of special projects manager.

According to City Attorney David Mecklin, as deputy city manager, McDougal is considered a department head. Mecklin told council members prior to their vote that they had the option to request a new recommendation for the position, but none of the council members did.

Council members emphasized in a heated discussion during Tuesday’s meeting that, while McDougal’s termination is a step in the right direction, issues will not be resolved until the termination of Barber.

“As far as I’m concerned the only place that you are irreplaceable is with your home and your family,” Councilmember Stephanie Warmouth said. “There is not a single one of us who is up here right now —who are employed with the city of Villa Rica who are not replaceable, period.”

Warmouth also stated that “loopholes” occurred within the ongoing issue, as former mayor Jeff Reese was told by Barber and Mecklin that he could not be hired in a compensated position.