We’ve had some crazy weeks this year. We’ve had more wild headlines thus far in 2025 than we had all of last year, I believe. None, however, have had more weirdness in such a short period of time than the City of Pearson.
The first story of the week involved the city cutting off water to select Atkinson County School System properties. The city and the school system have been in a bit of a disagreement regarding the schools’ water bills. This week, the city released a statement saying the school system was supposed to pay $4,500 per month for water service. The school system said the figure was $3,200 per month. Pearson then turned off the water to selected school system properties for non-payment.
Who you believe depends on a lot of factors, not the least of which is if you find Pearson Mayor Robert Johnson to be a credible and trustworthy public official.
Dr. Melissa Wilbanks and her staff kept excellent records of the system’s meetings with the city. Then, of course, there are the regulations and accountability that school systems are faced with in all aspects of their operations. The school system has excellent legal representation and a level of credibility that the City of Pearson does not possess.
The City of Pearson has problems, many of which stem from years of the alleged mismanagement and fraudulent activities of Mayor Johnson. Cutting off the water was an attempt – unsuccessful, thankfully – by the city to squeeze the school system for money. Dr. Wilbanks and her staff remained steadfast and didn’t waver. The city turned the water back on and I wouldn’t imagine there will be any further problems here.
Of the two other stories that we covered this week, only one dealt specifically with the city. Ironically, after the city attempted to squeeze money out of the school system, we learned that a judge had awarded American Tank Maintenance LLC nearly $60,000 after the city refused to pay the company for maintenance on two water tanks.
What we are seeing is that the City of Pearson can’t pay its bills. More judgments are coming, including one that is expected to be in excess of $1 million. This is the result of years of alleged mismanagement and corruption coming out of City Hall.
I realize that Mayor Johnson has not been convicted of a crime but a picture is starting to emerge. If you look at the charges and juxtapose them with what has taken place this year, you get even more smoke than there already is.
Mayor Johnson is under no legal obligation to resign. By law, he can stay on as mayor until one of three things takes place: He is convicted/pleads guilty, he is indicted, or Gov. Brian Kemp removes him. The Grand Jury convenes in a few months, although Atkinson County officials could call a special session of the Grand Jury to hear Johnson’s case if they were so inclined.
Since Johnson’s arrest on over two dozen felony charges in February, things have continued to spiral for the City of Pearson. It’s easy to blame others, which Johnson’s supporters do. But the problems the city is facing fall back on him. Are the problems simply due to mismanagement? Or are they related to budget shortfalls because city funds and resources have been diverted . . . elsewhere?
I would say it’s likely a combination of the two. Either way, Johnson’s continued presence in City Hall isn’t good for the city. If he was truly concerned about what’s best for the City of Pearson and its citizens, he would have stepped down following his arrest.
Power and influence, however, are addictive. When people get a taste, no matter how small or insignificant the office may be, they refuse to turn it loose. They will hold on to it until it is taken from them. Eventually, Mayor Johnson will have to relinquish his position. But it will not be by his choice. And in the meantime, under his “leadership,” the City of Pearson will continue to struggle – perilously so.
Things were bad in February. Now they’re getting worse.