Crowd concerns prompt Chickamauga Mayor removal meeting postponement

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Chickamauga City Council held a special meeting on Friday at 4 p.m. to consider removing Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office.

Council members have not publicly stated their concerns regarding the mayor.

As residents formed a line outside, many said they simply wanted clarity about what was happening.

Chickamauga resident Nina Brown said she attended to stay informed.

“I just want to be sure that I’m informed. There are a lot of rumors going around, and I would rather not base my opinions on rumors. I would rather know the facts of what’s happening in our town,” Brown said.

When the meeting began in downtown Chickamauga, only sixty-six people were allowed inside due to building capacity.

More than one hundred residents were left outside in freezing temperatures, unable to hear or participate in the proceedings.

News 12 was there covering the special meeting and spoke with residents about their frustrations.

“We pay taxes here. We should get in this meeting,” one resident shouted from the doorway.

Mayor Pro Tem Evitte Parrish addressed the crowd as tensions rose and asked residents to remain orderly.

“That will be the first and only warning,” Parrish said.

Parrish explained that the meeting was intended to be observational at that stage.

“If you don’t mind, let’s all just a listen, and then save all your comments for later,” Parrish said.

Residents left outside began objecting the limited access, repeatedly voicing concerns about transparency.

“Public is public,” several people shouted.

“People are standing out here waiting,” another resident yelled.

“I want inside so I can hear what’s going on,” one person said, while others added, “You’re not going to hear it out here.”

Some residents asked for windows to be opened or for speakers to be brought outside so they could listen.

A police officer instructed the crowd to stop attempting to open the windows.

“We’re not doing this right now,” the officer said.

Members of the crowd continued to question the decision.

“We’re here. We’re trying to listen. Why? Why?” residents shouted.

Several voices echoed the sentiment that the situation was unfair.

“This is not right. This is not right,” one resident said.

One woman told the crowd that staying quiet would not lead to change.

“As long as we sit here and be quiet, they’re going to keep doing it. Do you all hear me?” she said. “I’m not a native of this town, but I moved here for the good things, and this is not what’s happening.”

Due to continued disruptions and public outcry, the meeting was postponed.

City Council member Lee Miller said he was open to accommodating residents.

“I don’t have a problem accommodating the interests at all,” Miller said.

Parrish explained the council’s options moving forward.

“You can withdraw your motion. I am just saying I think we would all vote against it. You can table the meeting. I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen anybody deny agenda items,” Parrish said.

Council member Matthew Nave criticized the attendance limit.

“There are three thousand six hundred residents of this town, and limiting the removal of the mayor to sixty-six people is just not right,” Nave said.

Resident Matthew Murphy said the timing and access created confusion.

“At a meeting at a time where it was difficult to come, that is very sticky,” Murphy said.

Christian Hurd, a candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 2, said the process lacked transparency.

“I came to figure out what was going on, and I’m leaving still not knowing what’s going on. We’re going to have to get a bigger venue. This has to be very open and transparent. That’s what citizens deserve,” Hurd said.

Resident Evelyn Garmany said officials should have anticipated the turnout.

“We have fire marshals and police in this city, and they know how many people can go in buildings. If you knew only sixty-six people could get in here, then you should have already changed the venue. It’s not right, and the citizens are here,” Garmany said.

After the meeting was postponed, Mayor Deck addressed the crowd outside.

“I’m a Chickamauga boy,” Deck said. “I believe in we the people. And it doesn’t operate like that here.

Members of the crowd cheered in response.

When a resident shouted that he was not part of a clique, Deck responded.

“I am not in the clique,” Deck said.

City officials later announced the meeting will be rescheduled at a larger venue to allow more public participation.

The city has since released an apology regarding its inability to accommodate the crowd and host the meeting as planned.

Click here to view the full statement.

News 12 will continue following developments and provide updates as they become available.