City of Barnesville salaries listed

No wonder , we have a "hole in the wall" pound with no a/c , no mats for the animals to lay on, pens so small you can throw a hankerchief and you have wall to wall carpet. No wonder, the city can't afford someone to be in the pound from 9to5 , so people can visit. This is also the reason they do not have certified animal control officers to patrol and write up violations. All the money is being spent on these city officials. What a joke!

It takes 108,000. a year to beautify a small town. I think you need to count city employees for doing that job. The ones that never get thanked. I am sure you could have found someone out there , that would have done the same job or better for Barnesville at a lower pay. Of course, this is a good ole boys town. You have to take that into consideration, when you look at the salaries and the people that make them.

I do get it. He is overpaid for his postion. In fact, I think he should have done more, with the money he is getting and how long he has been city manager. What restoration are you referring to? And how much did it save Barnesville? Do you have that info? What grants was he responsible for? What years did this take place?

Even though I don't live in the city, I remain shocked about Mr. Roberts' salary since it was first published in the paper a few years ago. Once the tax assessments and/or millage rates in the city go up there will be an outcry similar to what happened in the county this year. Even though he seems to be doing a good job, that salary is extremely high for someone with his education and a town the size of Barnesville.
I'm more appalled at the salary of the Executive Director of the IDA. What justifies that salary? Certainly not results!

First, The Lamar County Water Authority has nothing to do with the City of Barnesville, the Matthews family, nor the Georgia Rural Water Authority.
Several years ago, against experienced and intelligent thought, SPLOST monies were used to birth the Lamar County Water Authority.
Secondly, the Matthews family has been in this community for a long time. Why wouldn't they be involved in local governments? Even so, Jay Matthews was elected by a majority of county voters and Randy Matthews has worked for many years in public works with no need for family ties to keep his job.

Regarding the salaries, praise the Lord that we live in a society in which we can gripe and complain about what our govermnent officials do and earn. With our vote we can even control what our government officials do and earn. With that said, city employees make exactly what the elected officials say they can make, as they approve a budget annually. As for Mr. Roberts, the mayor and council(a minimum of 20 different people over the last forty years)have approved his salary along with all other city employees. For seventeen years, Mr. Roberts has been accused of being a harsh ruler with no regard for the city or its employees. For many years, council members have run on the platform of "I will not be a servant to Kenny Roberts" and one by one, they all have recognized shortly after being elected, that he is indeed an efficient and effective manager whose greatest concern is the well-being of the citizens of Barnesville. There will no doubt be more council members who will follow this path.
Regarding experience/salary ratio. Hired in 1970 in the electrical department, Mr. Roberts worked his way over 20 years into the position of Electrical Superintendent and then Public Works Administrator. He worked for city manager, Ralph Barron for the first 18 years and then a short stint under Joanne Cannafax until he was hired as city manager in 1993. 40 years of experience covering all aspects of city business is certainly enough experience to warrant the salary.
Regarding vacation, leave time, and sick time, it would surprise most to know that he has given up more vacation, personal or sick time than he has taken.
Regarding a college degree... In a day where the HOPE scholarship has muddied the waters of the need of a degree, it is easy to understand the misguided thought that a degree is necessary to be successful in the modern corporate world. Work experience, training and self motivated education on the job is vastly more important than a piece of paper that suggests that the recipient has garnered wisdom in the last four years.
Regarding the successful management of the City of Barnesville, it is important to see the annual budget, pay attention to monthly council meetings, and generally look around as you move through the town you have chosen to make your home. The evidence is clear as to the effective management of the city.

It all sounds good and sweet., but bottom line, we are talking taxpayers money. You are working for a private company not the government. I don't think he is worth 108,000. a year in a "small" town. If he was getting paid half that , I am sure he would not be around. It shouldn't have to do about the money but the dedication. Little towns are all about good ole boy politics. Barnesville is a prime example. Mr. Roberts knows he is sitting pretty. Surrounded by yes people and he is in control. What more could you ask for?