Perry City Council appoints new city manager, recognizes local veterans

PERRY — Nominees for the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Veterans Day Parade received recognition from Perry City Council. Council also approved the appointment of Robert Smith as the new City Manager and the installation of security cameras downtown during Tuesday night’s meeting. 

Veterans recognition

The city chose Carey Washington for the chance to ride alongside Mayor Randall Walker at Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival Veterans Day Parade. Washington is a graduate of Perry High School, class of 1997. 

Upon graduation, he started serving in the United States Marines, where he was involved in multiple missions, including time in Afghanistan. 

During his service, he was the recipient of multiple awards, including the Department of the Army Superior Civilian Award and a Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award. After his service, he returned to Perry and became the owner of a small cleaning service business.

Walker said they had a great time during the parade. 

“It was really inspiring to see the number of people who came out and really gave honor to our veterans,” he said. 

Washington also presented a token of his appreciation – a decommissioned grenade. He shared the inscription, which says: “Thank you, city of Perry for embracing me and honoring my service. I’m so proud to call Perry, Georgia my hometown.” 

In August, the city urged the community to nominate local veterans for the ride-along. 11 veterans were nominated this year.

Other nominees included: 

• Grady Auman
• James Self
• Jason Seaman
• Fred Bryant

Walker gave thanks to every veteran for their service.

“We cannot thank you enough for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. It’s because of your service that we enjoy them,” he said. 

Robert Smith appointed City Manager

Later in the council meeting, Robert Smith was named the new City Manager, a position previously held by Lee Gilmour. 

Smith previously served as the Assistant City Manager and worked alongside Gilmour. 

As the City Manager, he facilitates effective communication between the city government, citizens, community organizations and institutions, and neighboring jurisdictions, including the state and federal governments. 

Council members unanimously approved the resolution to appoint Smith. 

Smith thanked Walker and council and appreciated their vote of confidence. 

“[I] very much look forward to continuing doing the work of the people here at the city of Perry. It has been a tremendous experience so far and [I] look forward to working with all of you…and all of our wonderful employees and making sure that we continue to move forward here at the city of Perry,” he said. “There are a lot of exciting things, a lot of challenges, a lot of opportunities but I think we’re all up to the task. It’s very exciting and very appreciative that you all name me your next city manager.”

Security cameras in downtown

On the agenda, the city approved the installation of security cameras downtown. Council members also discussed this item during the Work Session on Monday night. 

Police Chief Alan Everidge explained in 2023 that the city was awarded the Georgia Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant. He said as part of this grant, the police department emphasized cameras in the city parks, city facilities, and areas where public events are hosted. 

Due to the city hosting numerous events downtown, Everidge wants the area to remain safe. He proposed to add three cameras. Although it would not cover the entire footprint, he believes it will help deter crime. 

Everidge believes the cameras could also help the police department in investigations. He said it could be used for hit-and-run or other major crimes. 

The cameras will be placed at

• Corner of Jernigan Street and Carroll Street
• Carroll Street at Ball Street
• Main Street at Ball Street

“We have a safe downtown. We are always looking for ways to do more with less. We believe this is a great opportunity to put this in at no cost,” Everidge said. 

The Mayor and Council will hold their pre-council meeting at 5 p.m. and the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. on December 2. Everyone is invited to attend these meetings, and the agenda can be found here. Both meetings are also livestreamed, and the full video is available here.