Augusta, GA

City leaders postpone discussion over Augusta mayor’s spending

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2024

City leaders postpone discussion over Augusta mayor’s spending

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – City leaders are looking to set boundaries when it comes to the mayor’s credit card.

Questions from commissioners started last month after Mayor Garnett Johnson asked for more than $40,000 to cover his credit card expenses for city business over the last six months.

The goal of Tuesday was to reach a solution when it comes to reimbursing the mayor. Unfortunately, that did not happen.

Instead, the conversation was moved again to the next finance committee meeting.

The mayor is not breaking any policy by asking for reimbursements to his personal credit card. That’s because there is no policy for this specific request.

There were questions from commissioners regarding whether they should change the existing policy to fit the needs of the mayor.

But both the city’s finance director and procurement director say this could open a floodgate when it comes to other elected officials, meaning that if you make an exception for one you would potentially have to make an exception for all.

Right now, the policy when it comes to a city-issued credit card includes a $500 limit per transaction or a $5,000 limit per month.

The finance director says it’s best to have a policy that is more uniform rather than have several expectations.

“We’re open to any resolution to it. All of our expenditures were based solely on us fulfilling our duties as mayor, and we proactively put this item on the Finance Committee’s agenda. This isn’t something that no one else did. We proactively put this in this agenda item so that we can address it, and that’s what we’re doing,” said Johnson.

The city’s finance director did say they are not questioning the legitimacy of the mayor’s spending but says its more so the method of the expenditures being turned in.

Again, the mayor turned in receipts which span over six months and when this conversation first started he took accountability for not turning the receipts in each month.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

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.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

23 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

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.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

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.”

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