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) – Broadway Baptist Church hosted a debate Monday featuring the three candidates seeking to become Augusta’s next mayor.
Candidates Lori Myles, Steven Kendrick and Eric Gaines shared their goals and visions for the city as they campaigned for voters’ support ahead of the upcoming election.
“We need to focus on what the community needs. We’ve got to start being practical in Augusta-Richmond County,” Gaines said.
“I want to create better relationships with both our state and federal officials, so that our city can learn how to bring some of the dollars we need home. I hope I was able to provide enough information for people to choose me as the person to lead the city,” Kendrick said.
“I want them to go out and touch the masses and show that there is a new paradigm shift coming to Augusta. All of us are invested,” Dr. Myles said.
The primary election is scheduled for May 19. In addition to the mayoral race, voters will also decide several other contests, including five Augusta Commission seats.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Fire is showcasing progress on its new Fire Station #3 construction site Monday with a public tour of the facility.
The tour is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the construction site at 2075 Powell Road.
The approximately 12,500-square-foot facility will feature three apparatus bays, modern living quarters, administrative space and support areas designed to enhance firefighter readiness and emergency response.
“The progress we’ve made on this fire station reflects our commitment to public safety and community resilience,” said Fire Chief Antonio Burden. “We’re proud of what this station represents for our community: enhanced protection, improved readiness and continued investment in the future.”
Johnson Laschober Associates designed the station. Spratlin Construction is building it in coordination with the Augusta government and the Augusta Fire Department leadership.
Representatives from Spratlin Construction will also be on-site to provide project updates.
The only entrance to the site is on Powell Road. Parking is not permitted on the construction site. Visitors should park along Powell Road and follow all posted safety guidance.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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