Varnell City Council’s referendum to eliminate its police department in question

Varnell citizens in attendance of a canceled council meeting cheer as Councilman Jan Pourquoi walks out Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the Varnell City Gym in Varnell, Ga. The Varnell City Council were meeting to decide whether or not to eliminate its police department, but the only two councilmen in attendance left once the meeting was canceled due to low attendance by the council. Varnell citizens in attendance of a canceled council meeting cheer as Councilman Jan Pourquoi walks out Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the Varnell City Gym in Varnell, Ga. The Varnell City Council were meeting to decide whether or not to eliminate its police department, but the only two councilmen in attendance left once the meeting was canceled due to low attendance by the council.

By Tyler Jett July 27, 2017 7 min read

The Varnell City Council, North Georgia’s latest capital of controversy, will meet again Aug. 22.

At least, that’s the plan.

But Councilman Jan Pourquoi has his doubts. After two elected officials resigned in the last four weeks, the council is left with three people, the minimum for a quorum. If one person misses the meeting, the council legally cannot vote or take any actions.

That’s what happened Tuesday, when Councilwoman Ashlee Godfrey didn’t show up. Mayor Anthony Hulsey told the audience that Godfrey had a family emergency.

“It’s a show, ” Pourquoi said later, claiming he does not believe Godfrey couldn’t make it.