No extra day off following 4th for Augusta city workers

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta city workers have Independence Day off, but the plans to add July 5th misfired.

“I was extremely surprised by that, and I even asked for there to be discussion there was opposition to even having the discussion,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

Last week, Commissioner Jordan Johnson attempted to add giving employees a mental health holiday after the fourth to the meeting agenda, but it required unanimous consent, and commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle said no.

“A lot of people are already taking Friday off, it’s a skeleton crew so you don’t shut down the whole government based on a handful of people,” said Guilfoyle.

Three years ago, commissioners did and an extra day off to the Christmas holiday. The Finance Department saying it would cost more than $200,000 in holiday pay for essential workers.

“The overtime we would have to pay the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, so that was a non-starter for me,” said Guilfoyle.

“We approve so many other items without discussion millions of dollars without even discussion and we’re going to complain about this dollar amount,” said Johnson.

“My goal is to make sure my priority is the citizens of Augusta, we got to make sure we take care of them as well,” said Guilfoyle.

“I don’t see where that is fair. I don’t see where the logic comes into play. I just think that unfortunately we have sent the wrong message to our city employees,’ said Johnson.

City workers have July 4th off, though Friday may not be as much of a blast.

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