Augusta, GA
Augusta leaders look to check every corner with Parks and Rec audit
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners took another step toward auditing the Parks and Recreation Department, following the departure of former director Maurice McDowell.
On Tuesday, a committee approved the audit. Now, it’s up to the full commission to decide next week.
They’re trying to clean the slate, following a controversial departure.
“What we want to make sure we’re doing is adding in processes that will make our city more transparent,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
Right now, they’ve narrowed the field down to 16 candidates to fill the Parks and Rec head position. While they look to the future of that position, they’re also looking to make sure there are no lingering issues from the past.
Some areas they are interested in exploring in the audit include Riverwalk expenditures, park expenditures, hotel stays with locations by employees, an IT search if any documents were deleted, community center dollars and more.
The auditing firm they selected, UHY, would charge a little more than $70,000 to explore this and more, within 90 days of commissioners’ approval.
Commissioners also tossed around the idea of tacking on audits for other issues they came across, like a new furniture request for a little more than $150,000 for the new Henry Brigham Center.
Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight said: “Ya’ll ain’t gonna wanna hear this, but it is beginning to smell fishier than a fish market.”
Commissioner Brandon Garrett responded: “I’m not even sure where to pick up on this one. Well, you know, apparently they stink.”
In every instance, commissioners brought up the need for more audits and oversight.
But a $300,000 to $400,000 full government operational audit failed to pass months ago.
“Again, more accountability has got to be put in place in this government that is just not there currently,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom.
Also at Commission…
- SPLOST 9 work session scheduled is scheduled for June 20. Infrastructure and Facilities Work and FY25 Budget Retreat is scheduled for June 26.
- Three Flock Cameras will be placed at the three entrances to Goshen Plantation for one year, with a total cost of $10,500.
- Commissioners approved 17 Dodge police chargers and a Dodge Durango for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for $840,749.26.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Inmate recovering after being stabbed multiple times at Augusta jail
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta inmate is now recovering after he was stabbed multiple times at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center last week, according to authorities.
Deputies say they responded to the jail on Jan. 22 and met with medial personnel at the jail.
Medical staff informed deputies that an inmate was stabbed multiple times in F Pod, according to the incident report.
Deputies say after the inmate was stabbed, his clothes, facility issued tablet and Store Call were stolen.
According to the report, the inmate told deputies he is a part of local gang, and the person who stabbed him is part of another gang.
Deputies say they found nine stab wounds and lacerations on the inmate, including on his left arm, left shoulder and his head.
While searching the F Pod, deputies found a uniform top with blood on it under another inmates mattress. They also found the injured inmate’s jail wristband under the mattress.
During the search, deputies say they also found a six inch sharpened metal object that appeared to have blood on it.
According to the report, five inmates were involved in the incident.
Officials say the inmate suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is now in stable condition.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta government provides update on HCD audit
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta officials say a preliminary response related to an audit of the Housing and Community Development Department was received Tuesday from Cherry Bekaert.
The audit report is not yet complete, according to the city.
After initial review, the city has requested additional information to “ensure clarity and accuracy before the process moves forward.”
“The Augusta government remains committed to transparency and will provide further updates once the requested information is received and the audit is finalized,” the city said in the news release.
In November, Augusta Commission members held a budget workshop session with much discussion about the Housing and Community Development Department.
That’s the department that left the city on the hook to pay back millions in federal grant money.
The city received more than $6 million in grant money during the COVID-19 pandemic, supposedly to help people who were in danger of eviction.
The city never spent the money for that purpose, so the government demanded it back.
The department didn’t have the money on hand, so the city had to repay it, and then some, from the general fund — $6.3 million of the original grant money and $2.1 million in penalties.
The scandal led to the exit of Housing and Community Director Hawthorne Welcher and sparked an audit of the department.
On Oct. 28, commissioners in closed executive session approved the payment of up to $32,237.32 from contingency funds for rental assistance previously approved by the Housing and Community Development Department.
This means leaders agreed to take the money from their emergency fund and use it to help people with their rent as part of a program the department had already put in place.
Mayor Garnett Johnson said at the time this was an effort to address letters that were sent out, falsely leading people to believe they were getting some emergency funds.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Get medical care at several health events in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Several health events in Augusta on Tuesday are offering help to those who need medical care.
Department of Public Health mobile clinic
The Department of Public Health mobile clinic will be at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Tuesday.
Officials say the clinic makes it easier to receive care for those who don’t have transportation.
The clinic will be at the 3109 Wrightsboro Road from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
You can receive sports, work and school physicals, diabetes management, WIC referrals, vaccines and more.
The mobile clinic offers private exam rooms, wheelchair-accessible lifts and modern medical equipment.
For more information on the mobile clinic and what stops it will take, visit www.ecphd.com/wego.
Annual Horizon Truckers Clinic
The fourth annual health fair for bus and shuttle driver employees with Horizon Motor Coach will be held on Tuesday at Julian Smith Casino, 2200 Broad Street.
This event will start at 11 a.m.
In partnership with the Augusta Lions Club, the Augusta University’s College of Nursing, Georgia Prevention Institute, College of Allied Health Sciences, the Dental College of Georgia and the Georgia Cancer Center make the event possible.
The health fair is designed to help prevent and identify health issues as well as providing mock DOT exams, dental examinations and nutrition advice.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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