CAIRO — Grady County commissioners voted last week to formally grant special powers to County Administrator Buddy Johnson to help facilitate their move out of the Grady County courthouse.

The task of handling where certain county agencies will reside after the move has been one of Johnson’s de facto duties since the decision to leave the courthouse was planned, though commissioners ultimately have the final say.

“If the board wishes to be the ones to decide who or what goes where, that is certainly the board’s option and decision and I will abide by it,” Johnson said.

The commissioners’ vote was made to ensure there is no question as to who decides how space they formerly occupied at the Grady County courthouse will be used following their departure, which was completed earlier this week.

“I don’t want to micromanage that job every day,” said Commissioner Phillip Drew.

The issue was brought to the forefront last month following concerns voiced by Commissioner LaFaye Copeland, who stated she felt she was being left out of the loop as to what agencies will take up the commissioners’ courthouse space. 

“I don’t want any confusion in the future,” Johnson said. “I don’t need a commissioner feeling like they’ve been maybe set aside.”

Johnson said the incident could be chalked up to a miscommunication.

The commissioners’ vote formally allows Johnson to make the decision as to who takes what rooms rather than having agencies interested in acquiring the vacant space speak with the commissioners directly.

Johnson said the commissioners “by all means” have the option to override one of his decisions concerning how county-owned buildings are used.

Commissioners also can bring their own suggestions as to how the space should be used.

Johnson said he knows the commissioners’ move to the former Grady County Senior Center on 17th Avenue has been “somewhat controversial,” but that that county’s decision stands.

“We’re moving,” he said. “We’re out.”

Commissioners have just one more regularly scheduled meeting at the Grady County Courthouse scheduled for December 15 before they begin conducting all of their public business at the new location.

The first regular meeting at the new building is scheduled for Tuesday, January 5.