By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor for the Effingham Herald

The late New York Mets manager Yogi Berra famously said, “It’s déjà vu all over again,” and people laughed.

For the City of Guyton, it’s déjà vu all over again; but no one is laughing.

Three members of the Guyton City Council – Theodore Hamby, Joseph Lee, and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Johnson – tried once again with a hastily called special meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 25, to override Mayor Andy Harville’s veto and pass the retirement plan ordinance.

Councilmember Jeremiah Chancey was not present due to work obligations.

In the past three weeks, the Guyton City Council has voted on this issue with the same 3-2 result. Hamby, Lee, and Johnson in favor, and Mayor Harville and Chancey against.

The special-called meeting on Friday afternoon was over in less than 15 minutes.

Hamby had campaigned against the issue as a candidate in 2023 but has since flipped his vote without explanation.

Four residents of Guyton came to the meeting, and Mayor Harville opened the floor to public comments.

Karen Keech, a 37-year resident of the city, at first apologized for not attending prior meetings due to health issues, but then confronted the three members of the city council. She started with Hamby.

“Explain in detail why you reversed your campaign promise not to support this retirement plan,” Keech began. “In my living room with your boots curled up in a chair, you promised you would never support this retirement plan. Why are you changing your mind?”

Hamby continued with a rabbling answer that never answered Keech’s question. Hamby continued, “A leader has to make tough decisions.”

Keech was not convinced.

“So, Mr. Hamby, you think that the city of Guyton, with 3,000-plus citizens, that offering a ridiculous retirement benefit is going to encourage more intelligent candidates to run for these offices. Is that what you're saying? You are not employees,” Keech said pointedly.

“And contrary to your comment, you did sit in my living room. You did say you would not support this retirement plan. If you think that offering this retirement plan -- to the detriment of this city -- is going to bring stronger leadership? You're elected, honey. You're not employed; and your integrity, young man, is far from going up,” Keech said.

Keech was not done. She then addressed Johnson and Lee.

“Why do you think the City of Guyton owes you a lifetime retirement?” Keech asked. “You chose to serve this city and accepted the pay you get for doing your job. Now you want to burden us for the remainder of our lives, and those after us, to pay you a retirement for doing what you volunteered to do.”

Both Johnson and Lee tried to argue points of their service and pay and the retirement benefit that was approved by the Georgia Municipal Association. Lee then tried to compare his city council service to that of higher federal officials.

“You are not the President of the United States,” Keech answered. “You are a councilman for a 3,000+ community who is up to their eyeballs in debt for a wastewater treatment plant that we can’t service or support,” Keech ended her comments.

Mayor Harville then asked for a motion to override his veto, and the vote was 3-1 – Hamby, Johnson and Lee for, and Harville against. Chancey was not present.

The issue may continue.

According to the city charter, Mayor Harville may still, “disapprove or reduce any item or items of appropriation in any resolution or ordinance.”