NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - Newton County Chairman Marcello Banes issued a letter to members of the Newton County Recreation Commission Board announcing his consideration of removing them from the board for cause Jan. 9.

According to the letter, the removal is being considered after the “recent termination of Newton County civil servant Anthony Avery as Director of the Newton County Recreation Commission.”

Banes’ letter states the board dismissed Avery without following the county’s advice.

“Besides opening the commission and the county to potential legal action and creating financial exposure for the county, the board’s improper handling of commission personnel brings disrepute to the county and its government,” according to the letter.  

Banes invites the Recreation Commission Board members to respond to the letter and present their case. He will make a decision upon receipt of the response.

Banes provided a statement Tuesday in regards to the letter.

“Letters have been sent to inform Recreation Commission board members that they are being considered for removal. Other recreation members have been replaced due to terms ending December 2017.

“Newton County will continue to provide a strong and fair working environment for all members of its staff, along with maintaining high standards of our workforce. Along with its employees, the government of Newton County also runs off the funds provided by our taxpayers. We take the fiduciary responsibilities given to us by taxpayers very seriously and will continue to act in the best interest of both the taxpayers and employees of Newton County.

“Newton County does not comment on pending personnel matters or pending litigation, therefore Newton County has no comment regarding Anthony Avery’s performance, however, Avery has been placed on administrative leave.

“Dwayne Mask is the Interim Recreation Director.”

When asked by The Covington News Tuesday, Banes said he is going to let the process play out.

"I'm going to let the board of commissioners hear their case and if they decide they should stay on the board they will; I won't veto it," he said. "So, once that process has taken place we'll see where we're at."