Grady County News

03/25/2025

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿

In a historic moment that would be remembered for years to come, the Grady County Commissioners chose their first female County Administrator in Celeste Tyler.

The backdrop of the meeting was steeped in local politics, where the “good old boy” network had long held sway over county appointments. For years, the system favored connections and familiarity, often sidelining more qualified candidates in favor of friends and allies. This time, however, the tide had turned. Despite the push from Commissioner Prince, Commissioner Drew and close friends to support one of their own, Keith Moye, an ex-commissioner - the momentum had shifted in favor of the most qualified candidate, Celeste Tyler.

Celeste Tyler will be a breath of fresh air, her background rich with experience in community outreach, education, and innovative governance. Many residents had rallied behind her, seeing in her a leader who will move Grady County forward and prioritize our needs. She represents a change that many had long sought, a departure from the entrenched ways of doing things.

Commissioner Maxwell, Commissioner Kines and Commissioner Copeland - fueled by the voices of their constituents who had grown weary of the status quo, stood firmly behind Celeste. They recognized her potential to bring about meaningful change in Grady County.

One Grady County resident said. “There is no better candidate for this job than Celeste Tyler. We have spoken with our votes that we wanted change. How can those two Commissioners support someone who lost their re-election? This is classic example of friends trying to take care of friends versus looking out for the best interest of the community.”

When it was time for a vote, each Commissioner took a moment and passionately voiced their reasoning for their vote. It was clear that this was more than just a personnel decision; it was a statement. The commission had signaled a willingness to move beyond the good old boy network and embrace a new era of leadership, one defined by integrity, merit and vision rather than connections. The choice of Celeste Tyler was a bold step forward and a commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future for Grady County.

02/07/2025

Ousted Commissioner seeks employment as Grady County’s County Administrator

The interviewing of former ousted commissioner Keith Moye amidst the shadows of his failed commissionship has raised eyebrows and sparked debates within the community. The decision to interview comes in the wake of Moye's flawed tenure as commissioner, marked by a series of questionable decisions, and a lack of response to his constituents that ultimately led to his defeat in the last election.

It is clear these issues resulted in a loss during the November election, where voters decisively rejected his bid for re-election, expressing their frustration with his leadership and the direction he had taken on the commission.

One District 3 voter states, “Keith never answered the phone as our commissioner and never returned my call. We didn’t want him as our commissioner, and we darn sure don’t want him as our administrator. How can this happen?”

It appears instead of focusing on the qualifications and competencies necessary for the job, the commission is considering a move that appears to be the classic example of the “Good Old Boys” network in action – where loyalty and connections overshadow merit and capability. Furthermore, this practice displays the commission’s lack of commitment to progress and its willingness to embrace fresh perspectives.

The commission is more interested in maintaining its status quo rather than addressing the needs of the community, and that’s both disheartening and frustrating for voters. Citizens in each district should contact their commissioner and express their desire for the county to seek out the most qualified applicant rather than “scratching the back” of one of their own.

12/06/2024

The tax increase public hearings will be held at on Tuesday December 17th at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Thursday December 26th at 9 a.m. The location is at the commissioner's office at 33 17th Ave NW.

"Two of these meeting times are during the morning when people are at work and the other is the day after Christmas when people may not have returned from visiting family." said one taxpayer who is trying to arrange their schedule to be in attendance.

The commission is required to have 3 public hearings on the rate increase but is not required to make them in the evenings or other times that might seem convenient.

The location of the meeting is also being called into question as the current commission office is small. There will be people who will have to stand outside the room and will not be able to hear what is discussed.

"They are having these meetings in the morning and in a small room in order to prevent hearing the concern of the citizens. It is just another way for them to push what they want without the citizen's input". says one upset citizen.

It is recommended for people to come early to the meetings to make sure they have a seat.

12/05/2024

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀:

The Grady County Board of Commissioners reverses on its earlier promise to taxpayers to roll back the millage rate to offset the increased property tax value assessments.

The new budget increases over $6,000,000 in spending from last year's budget, which will cause taxpayers to see a doubt digit percent increase in their property taxes.

One taxpayer says, "Everyone on that board needs to be fired. There needs to be all new people up there making decisions. They have lied to us time and time again. We deserve better, the people of this county deserve honest people up there. Shady Grady and corruption continue."

In January two new commissioners will replace Keith Moye and June Knight. The public is hopeful that Sam Kines and Yancy Maxwell can put a stop to the dishonesty and crookery in Grady County government.

Public hearings will be held at on Tuesday December 17th at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Thursday December 26th at 9 a.m. Citizens are encouraged to attend and express their opposition to the massive tax increase.

09/18/2024

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀:
Grady County Finance Director Holly Murkerson is named interim County Administrator with a pay increase of $ 2,750 per month. This comes on the heels of citizens receiving their assessment notices with property values skyrocketing. The possibility of a significant tax hike is looming.

Commissioner Phillip Drew replaces Commissioner June Knight on the Lake Authority.

09/07/2024

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦:
The controversial Grady County Administrator, Mr. Buddy (JC) Johnson, has announced his resignation, much to the relief of many in the community. Johnson's tenure has been marked by conflict, lawsuits and controversy, as he has often clashed with residents.

Johnson's last day with Grady County will be September 30th, as he prepares to take on the role of County Administrator in Brooks County. Many are hopeful that his departure will bring an end to the strife and division that has plagued Grady County during his time in office. One of the main sources of controversy surrounding Johnson has been his frequent disparaging remarks about residents in the community, whom he has referred to as "stupid" and "ignorant." These comments have only served to further alienate Johnson from the very people he was supposed to be serving.

In addition to his contentious attitude towards the community, Johnson's employment status has also raised eyebrows. He has frequently switched between being an independent contractor and an employee, leading to questions about the reasoning and his commitment to his role as County Administrator.

It remains to be seen how his leadership will be received in his new position, but for now, the residents of Grady County are looking forward to a fresh start without Mr. Buddy (JC) Johnson at the helm.

08/17/2023

08/15/2023

Here is another letter written by concerned citizens who take offense to Grady County officials berating citizens and calling them, “a bunch of retards”, Sadly it’s a pattern and until our board of commissioners realize the arrogant and condescending tone coming from our county administrator, Mr. Buddy (JC) Johnson, the attitude and derogatory atmosphere will continue to be supported and condoned. The county female employee who made the comment calling citizens "retards" acknowledges her comment below in the comments, without apology. This should not be surprising.
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This is from two concerned citizens. We would like to understand why we travel county roads that desperately need to be repaired and maintained.

As a retired mail courier in Grady County, I can testify of the hardship of neglected county roads. They make the job much harder not only for mail carriers, but for other delivery people and such. What about people who live on them and cannot avoid them?

We understand there is a large monetary cost to repairing and maintaining these roads. We pay taxes and then we see our tax money used in ways that do not benefit us. We wait and wait to have roads that we use daily to be repaired and kept up.

Our board of commissioners needs to remember why they were elected. Our votes are given because we believe their promises. We need good, honest commissioners that give their best with pride (can you tell I am a Cairo High School alumni?) We expect our BOC to drive Grady County vehicles marked with the Grady County logo that shows how we value our home county. In other words, logo large enough to be seen.

We expect other important matters to be give the same money and consideration as Tired Creek Lake. The lake is not the only important issue we have, although many times it seems to be to our BOC.

And finally, we read with sadness that some of our elected officials have made derogatory remarks about our citizens. Who pays their salaries? Who elected them? The very citizens they are speaking badly of.

We deserve to have county commissioners and employees that respect us and that we are able to respect in return.

We are concerned citizens. We are not ashamed to sign our names and we will do so with pride.

Gary and Sandy N. Maxwell

08/15/2023

The Grady County Commissioner’s meeting is tonight at 6pm. There have been several people who have messaged about the size of the decals placed on county vehicles. There are a few concerned citizens who will be at this evening’s meeting to address the board about the condescending action to place small decals on the doors of county vehicles. This was not the expectation when citizens packed the public meeting when decals were voted to be placed on county vehicles. The result of that public meeting was to have decals on doors of county vehicles with the expectation they would be large enough to be seen and easily recognized. It was about pride in our county and to be proud to be an employee of Grady County.

If you come to voice your opinion and want to talk, remember you have to sign up before the meeting.

08/08/2023

Here is another letter from a Grady County citizen. The constant berating of Grady County taxpayers by Mr. Buddy (JC) Johnson still continues as commissioners stand by to condone this behavior. Now that the commissioners have continuously supported and condoned this type of behavior towards citizens; we now have a female county employee at a commissioner’s meeting calling concerned citizens “a bunch of retards.” We would like to see that known employee publicly apologize for such a remark. These types of statements and Facebook posts by Mr. Buddy (JC) Johnson lashing out at citizens by their initials only highlight that our commissioner‘s office seeks to intimidate citizens from participating in our government.
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I have attended the past few County Commissioner meetings and have left with a heavy heart. There are several reasons for this.

At the fist meeting I attended, the issue at hand was the noncompliance of Buddy Johnson for not having his county issued truck not marked as designated by state law. Citizens were present to question the absence of the markings on the truck, most were elderly and the last of respect for these people on behalf of Buddy Johnson was appalling. In my opinion, Buddy was abrasive, arrogant, and intimidating. I was disgusted by him.

Second, once it was decided that Buddy would turn the truck in he asked for a $ 500 stipend instead. Keith Moye said, no, they would give him $ 600. It appears to me Keith Moye is fast and loose with the taxpayers money. Who negotiates by paying more than asked, for anything?

Finally, once the vehicle issue was resolved, an employee of Grady County sitting in the audience referred to the concerned citizens as, “ a bunch of retards!” Which she didn’t say it loud enough for everyone to hear, I was able to hear her as I was sitting two seats away. How dare anyone employed by the County exhibit such a lack of respect to its citizens! We may not all agree but isn’t that the purpose of these meetings, to freely discuss concerns? County officials, elected or employed would do well to learn a bit of humility.

The most recent meeting I attended was eye opening as well. The purpose of this meeting was primarily to fund various projects, one of which was a time clock for the county employees. Once again Buddy Johnson was front and center. He spent a good bit of time touting the virtues of one particular companies product. Amazingly, that was the one purchased for $ 37,000+.

Also in attendance were citizens who are having a difficult time getting down their road due to disrepair. One person in attendance related he tried to fix the road himself. On one hand we have money for time clocks but on the other hand no interest in repairing roads. Ask your commissioner if they have driven their district roads. You can guess the answer. More money was then spent for blowers to keep grass clippings off of roads. Personally, I think it might be a good idea to get the roads drivable first.

I have heard the phrase, “Shady Grady”. It’s more than just a phrase.

Sincerely,
Brenda Jolly, PhD

08/02/2023

We received this message from Mike Bishop. His letter was submitted to the Cairo Messenger. Mr. Mike’s comment on the timing of interest rates and how they have increased is correct. The same interest rate could have been gotten at the two local banks. The movement of deposits from a local bank like First National Bank actually lowers the amount they have available to lend to local citizens. We all know how difficult it is to borrow when banks have to get the approval from their Savannah or Atlanta home office. The decals on the vehicles is insulting to the taxpayers as our county consultant has basically ‘spit in the face’ of taxpayer.
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It was interesting to read the County boasting about the consolation of funds and how add additional revenues of 80K in the Messenger this week. Let's really clarify were the majority of funds originated. Interest rates have jumped at least 4% in the past few months. With the amount of monies, the County had in bank when you factor in 4% it comes to an additional 49K per month over what they were making. So when we make claims lets tell the whole truth!

I saw at least 2 County vehicles this week, black Ram Pickups, and as I glanced at them I saw the small decal on the lower front door. If I would not have known what they were I could not have identified them. I did check the laws on this and there is nothing in it specifying the size of the decal to be placed only that they be placed on each front door. I have a good idea where this idea originated from and I blame the BOC for tolerating this. Are they ashamed to be identified as Grady County! The notion that the decals will cause damage as our County Consultant( Administrator) states is pure bull! Several people commented at the meeting including a body shop owner that this would not happen! So Mr. Commissioners are you going to step up to the plate and rectify this situation or continue to let your Consultant make all the calls???? Let's see the proper decals placed on these vehicles!

Mike Bishop

Concerned citizens reaching out to the public.

07/27/2023

Thank you to Amy Thomas for allowing us to re-post her letter to the editor in this week's Cairo Messenger. This heart felt letter tells the truth of what's happening at our commission office.

If anyone wants to submit a statement they would like to be published on this page you can send it in a private message. If you wish to remain anonymous, we respect that and will post your message on our page. Thank you for your overwhelming support.

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Ok so I’m gonna get on my soap box. My daddy has always said you need to stand for something, your word and a hand shake mean something. And above ALL else “remember where you came from”. With my daddy’s firm direction to get involved I’ve recently attended a few Commissioner Meetings. It’s really opened my eyes and I encourage EVERYONE to go.

I don’t claim to know much about politics. What I do know after attending a few meetings is that grown men who should be leaders in the communities they represent have “forgotten where they came from”. They were elected to be the voice of those they represent. Instead they throw temper tantrums, Insult, disrespect and threaten anyone who disagrees with them.

They say that they welcome calls and are readily available to discuss issues unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. I’ve seen members of the community come forth to express concerns only to be interrupted, disrespected and just plain dismissed. Our administrator calls anyone who comes to the board with concerns haters and fools. He claims that we are jealous. No sir, we are ashamed.

I’m sure most everyone has seen all the back and forth attacks in our local paper. It’s shameful. People are sick of the excuses. We all know the road conditions in this county are the worst they’ve ever been yet we must be one of the richest counties in the state the way they are spending money.

If we have so much money burning a hole in our Administrators pocket why can’t our roads be repaired? Mr. Drew wants to complain that he’s not getting paid enough to put up with the job he was elected to do. He says he’s ran a gas company and delt with a** holes before and that he can be a bigger a** hole.

Seriously….you ran for a PUBLIC office and you’re surprised you can’t please EVERYONE it’s no wonder with that attitude. Is this how you lead? Grandma said if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen. There are many great men and women in our community that fought for this country and your rights to vote, carry a public office and stand up for your beliefs.

A well known quote by T. Sidney sums it up perfectly
“There is no more neutrality in the world. You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem.”

Just my two cents….. Amy Maxwell Thomas