Augusta, GA
Augusta mayor’s spending raises concerns among city leaders
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There are growing concerns among Augusta Commission members about the mayor’s spending habits.
On Tuesday when commission members met at the committee level, the matter was brought to the table by Mayor Garnett Johnson himself.
He was seeking reimbursement for his personal credit card, with a price tag topping $40,000.
The big reimbursement that came up deals with the mayor’s visit to the White House in May for a state dinner
Johnson says he is asking for “mere reimbursement” and nothing else.
He says when he took office, his goal was to create what he calls more efficiency in the mayor’s office when it comes to savings.
He says the mayor’s office has been responsible in how it spends money.
He noted that his office had a budget of $554,000 last year. He says that was the second smallest in the entire government.
The mayor also says his office returned 22% of that amount back to the general fund.
City leaders raised concerns on why the mayor was using his personal credit cards for government business.
When they asked the finance director if the policy states the mayor is required to have a city-issued card, the finance director said there is no policy to address that.
“I would never lessen my integrity by submitting a receipt based on some personal use or credit cards that I don’t own,” Johnson said. “Do you think I would jeopardize my credibility by doing that?”
The big question moving forward is: Will the mayor get a city-issued credit card?
City leaders will revisit this item at their next finance committee meeting.
They say this will give departments an opportunity to collaborate.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.
Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.
50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.
Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.
One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.
“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.
The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.
In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”
People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.
Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.
There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.
Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.
The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.
All areas of the park will be closed.
However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.
The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.
The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.
The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.
“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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