On November 4, 2024, a Meriwether County Commissioners meeting erupted when Chairman Walter “Gene” King was questioned about being a partner to a business. Commissioner King was also questioned about the ownership of a property he voted to issue an alcohol license too.

According to tax records Commissioner King bought the property located at 24575 HWY 85 on March 16, 2023. Then King sold the property on August 8, 2024. While this would allow King a vote as he didn’t own the property any longer at this location. Commissioner King sold the property to Liquor Barn LLC.

As the deed was transferred over to Liquor Barn LLC from Commissioner King on August 8, 2024. As the vote took place approximately 3 months after the sale. 

Commissioner King has also labeled Georgia Transparency (GT) as a potential stalker. He also stated in a Facebook post that he would go after GT for staking if GT filmed his wife or daughter in public. Commissioner King also posted that about is some crazy is about to go postal. GT welcomes the Commissioner to go after him, if King’s wife and daughter are ever captured on GT’s camera in a public space. 

Gene King is a public official and elected to serve the people. It doesn’t matter where one is from as Meriwether County is a part of the United States. 

It is not understood if such a comment is a threat from the Commissioner for violence or legal remedies.

On May 19, 2023, an order was entered for civil action 2022-CV-0064. Plaintiff Walter “Gene” King was suing previous Tax Commissioner Catherine Jenkins in her official capacity. Walter was directed to file a more definite statement/revised complaint to provide adequate detail to state a claim against Defendant Jenkins. The motion to dismiss was granted to Defendant Jenkins.

While it is Commissioner King’s right to wear a cowboy hat during the proceedings of a public meeting. However, by not removing such hats, it could show a form of disrespect towards the people, the county, and himself.

2023 Personal Financial Statement

2024 Personal Financial Statement