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STATEMENT FROM ALL 5 MEMBERS
OF TIFTON CITY COUNCIL

Aug. 13, 2024

 

The events of the past few weeks regarding the change in leadership at the City of Tifton have taught and reinforced several lessons.

One, changes in government often move at a much slower pace than anyone would like. Our society’s nearly instantaneous access to information via social media has conditioned us to both want to know what’s happening and want to respond to it immediately. Some laws and policies prevent governmental entities from doing that, even when the organization wants to give the answers residents deserve.

Two, any time more than one person is involved in a situation, there will be differences of opinion. That’s the best AND most difficult thing about elected governing bodies. When there are differences of opinions, and the majority rules, then elected officials have to stand by their individual decisions.

Three, when you combine the speed of government, legal constraints, rumors and human nature, you end up with heightened emotions that spill over and overshadow everything else.

While we are still working through this, here’s what we do know.

Emily Beeman worked as the Tifton City Manager until, in a public vote on August 8, 2024, her resignation was accepted by the Mayor Julie Smith, Vice Mayor Josh Reynolds, Councilman Michael Franks and Councilman M. Jay Hall. Councilman Lester Cromer Jr. was not present at that public meeting. Prior to that vote, as required by federal law and consistent with the terms of her employment agreement, Beeman had been presented with a proposed release agreement on July 19, and given up to 21 days to consider it. With City Attorney Rob Wilmont present, the proposed release agreement was presented to Beeman by Vice Mayor Josh Reynolds and Councilman Michael Franks, with the full support of Councilman Lester Cromer Jr. Mayor Julie Smith was not a proponent of Beeman’s release, but was supportive of the council’s majority opinion. Councilman M. Jay Hall was opposed to Beeman’s release. During the 21-day period of review and her final acceptance, Beeman continued to receive her full pay and benefits and will continue to receive them as outlined in her contract and agreement until March 5, 2025.

Her proposed release was not based on any illegal activity, but on a desire by the majority of the five-member council to move toward a different vision for the future of Tifton.

With her departure, we are now looking forward to engaging a new city manager and working together towards further improving the quality of life and economic vitality of the City of Tifton.

Sincerely,

Mayor Julie Smith
Vice Mayor Josh Reynolds (District 1)
Councilman Michael Franks (District 2)
Councilman Lester Cromer Jr. (District 3)
Councilman M. Jay Hall (District 4)

 

 

A LETTER FROM COACH NOEL DEAN

HEAD COACH OF THE TIFT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BLUE DEVILS FOOTBALL TEAM

 

Dear Tift County Football Community,

 

I am writing to announce that I will not be seeking to renew my contract as the Head Football Coach at Tift

County High School at the conclusion of the academic year. This decision has not been an easy one, as it

comes with a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences I've had during my tenure here. I

have an unwavering love for this football team and a profound sense of duty to the senior class of 2024. I,

along with this coaching staff, will exhaust every effort to ensure that these final 5 games will not be their last

and will continue our collective pursuit of a region championship and a playoff berth.

​

Over the past 3 seasons, my family has undergone significant challenges, including my son's illness and the

events of the last few weeks. It has become evident to me that it is time for us to embark on a new chapter,

one focused on healing and recovery. I hope that this announcement can bring an end to the drama and

distractions that have enveloped our program in recent weeks, allowing our coaches and players to regain

their singular focus on the task at hand for the remainder of the season.

​

When I accepted this role, it was with the aspiration of creating a program that prioritized the holistic

development of our student-athletes, where their needs were placed at the forefront of our efforts. I took on

this position not out of necessity but out of a profound desire to connect with young men, to build authentic

relationships, and provide them with an enduring experience that they would carry throughout their lives.

​

While the decision to step away is undoubtedly difficult, I am proud of the accomplishments we have

achieved together. The establishment of the Four Tridents: Academics, Commitment, Character, and

Strength, has positioned the program and its student-athletes for success. Our team's GPA now stands above

86, with a participation rate exceeding 95% in team activities. We've witnessed a dramatic decline in football

players' ISS/OSS incidents, remarkable growth in the weight room, and dedicated community service totaling

hundreds of hours. I extend my gratitude to our players for their unwavering commitment and work ethic.

​

The impact in the community has been significant. From bringing the Red, White, and Blue Devil Game to

Tifton, to the enriching experiences provided by the Special Hearts Legends Game, and engagement in youth

through the Tift County Football LiTeracy Campaign, our program has stayed true to its commitment to

being a community-oriented program. We've provided our student-athletes with opportunities to

demonstrate leadership and nurture a sense of loyalty and duty. Furthermore, the youth levels have reached

unprecedented strength, and I want to express my sincere appreciation to Britt Wilson for his unwavering

dedication in this regard. His tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated by this

community.

​

Tift County Football is on strong footing, and I am profoundly thankful for the coaches who have invested

their hearts and souls in this journey. When assembling a staff, I placed a premium on men that would

prioritize our players as individuals and dedicate themselves to helping players become not just better

athletes, but better people.

​

As I step away from the role of head coach, I do so with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that together we

have crafted something extraordinary. I will forever treasure the memories, the camaraderie, and the growth

we've experienced as a team.

​

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the players, parents, fellow coaches, and the entire Tift County

community for their unwavering support and dedication.

 

Sincerely,

Noel Dean

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