AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The search for a permanent city administrator in Augusta is closing in on two years.

It’s arguably one of the most important jobs in running Augusta’s government, but multiple votes to decide on a candidate have failed.

The Coalition for Action in Downtown Augusta called a public meeting on Monday to talk about the frustrations surrounding the search for a permanent administrator with tensions running high.

Coalition founder Kevin De L’Aigle responded to a surprise guest in attendance.

“To be called a liar is not something I will accept,” he said.

It was in response to Christopher Douse, Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse’s husband, who fired back at shots about his wife, saying they do live in Augusta, which refuted online claims they live in Beech Island.

“That’s fine because you don’t have to accept it because the facts are the facts. When you began to defame someone’s character, even though you used freedom of speech, you are wrong sir,” Christopher Douse said back to De L’Aigle.

We confirmed a legal permanent address for Douse in Augusta.

People in attendance also voiced a need for a change in the rules. Favoring a vote for the mayor, voters will get the chance to decide on that in May.

They also want to find a way to prevent commissioners from abstaining, which is what has created this gridlock in the first place.

“No progress made is intolerable and these people need to be voted out this year,” said De L’Aigle.

While it’s not clear when the commission will make another attempt to vote on a permanent city administrator, the vote is still between the Interim Takiyah Douse and longtime city employee Tameka Allen.

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