AUGUSTA, Ga. — Burke County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow Sheriff Alfonzo Williams the option to hire independent legal counsel if he chooses to move forward with suing the county. The sheriff, who did not attend the meeting, was represented by Col. Lee Webster in his absence.

The commissioners’ decision came after they acknowledged a conflict of interest preventing the sheriff from using the county attorney for his potential lawsuit. If the sheriff proceeds with legal action, the county will fund his attorney’s fees at the county rate of $175 per hour, a figure significantly lower than the $400 per hour that Williams had initially requested.

Under Georgia law, the county is required to cover the legal expenses for a constitutional officer such as the sheriff but can only do so at the rate charged by the county’s attorney. County officials emphasized that they are not allowed to pay higher fees with taxpayer funds.

Despite the financial dispute, commissioners maintained that there is no real conflict between the sheriff and the board regarding funding. The commissioners assert that the sheriff’s department has received proper funding since Williams assumed office in 2017, and they believe the sheriff’s office operates effectively within its allotted budget.

After the meeting, several commissioners expressed the belief that the sheriff is likely to proceed with the lawsuit. They also made it clear that the issue is not just between the sheriff and the commissioners but also involves taxpayers who would bear the cost of any legal proceedings.

Webster, representing Sheriff Williams, reiterated that the sheriff, as a constitutional officer, is entitled to an adequate budget. He urged the board to accept the letter the sheriff sent last week, which he described as a means of moving forward in a way that benefits both parties.

“I hate it’s come to this,” said Commissioner Evans Martin, who represents District 3. “It’s the job of the board of commissioners to provide him a budget. We provided him a well-budgeted amount. The sheriff’s office does a great job policing, and we just feel like they have the appropriate budget and that he needs to stay within that budget.”

The ongoing dispute between the Burke County commissioners and Sheriff Williams over legal fees and funding has raised questions about the balance of authority and responsibilities between local government bodies and constitutional officers. The matter appears likely to continue unfolding in the coming weeks.