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.
Georgia Lt. Gov candidate state Rep. David Clark made a stop in Augusta Saturday. He says that some of his priorities if he wins include expanding school choice, eliminating the state income and property taxes, and reaching out to younger voters.
Clark is also an Army veteran, who served overseas. He hopes to represent all Georgians.
“Before politics and parties we’re Americans, we’re Georgians. That’s the biggest thing. People want someone who stands up and listens to people,” said Clark.
“I’m not saying we’re always going to agree, but in the end—we’re the American family, we’re the Georgian family.”
The Georgia primary will take place on May 19th, and the general election will be on November 3rd.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Car enthusiasts met Saturday morning at the Augusta Richmond County Judicial Building to show off their cars and meet others.
It was also an opportunity for these people to network with others.
One of the group leaders spoke about the event.
“So we like to be a community-oriented club. We give back to charities with the money that we make off the car shows. So we just like to come hang out and just look at other cars, and talk to other car enthusiasts,” said Mike Anchor, CSRA Mustang and Ford Club.
There are get-togethers like this every month.
They’re normally the first Saturday of the month and start at 9 a.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta Fire Department responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning in the 3600 block of Peach Orchard Road.
Fire truck shortage forces local departments to wait years for equipment
Emergency crews blocked multiple lanes as they battled the fire, according to a Facebook post from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
News 12 has reached out to the Augusta Fire Department to determine the cause of the fire and to inquire about any reported injuries.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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