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.

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Augusta, GA – Augusta University Athletics has announced the construction of a new baseball stadium at Jaguar Field. The project, set to be completed in time for the 2025 season, is part of a total Augusta University athletic facility overhaul.

The new stadium will feature 420 seats, with well over half of those being comfortable chairbacks. Additionally, the design includes dedicated handicapped seating to ensure accessibility for all spectators.
 
Key highlights of the project include the construction of a state-of-the-art press box at the top of the stadium and the expansion of the current concessions stand area to improve service and convenience for fans. An enhanced Champions Walk will serve as a welcoming focal point for both the baseball and softball fields.

“It’s an exciting time for Jaguar Baseball,” said Head Baseball Coach Chris Howell. “The construction of the bleachers and scorebaord will impact our game day experience for the players and fans. We appreciate the support from our donors and leadership at AU. The projects will catch us up to the facility curve with other institutions and push us to the next step as a program.”

 
The new stadium will be unveiled in conjunction with the new LED baseball scoreboard for Jaguar Field. The Electromech scoreboard will have a video display capable of showing varying content. This content can be any combination of live video, instant replays, statistics and game information, graphics and animations, or sponsorship messaging. The stadium and scoreboard will not only improve the experience of student-athletes but also improve the fan experience at Jaguar Field.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.AugustaJags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags
 

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County students head back to the classrooms starting Aug. 5.

For some families, it is exciting but for others – it’s a reminder of the stress from the school year.

Laurie Cook from RISE Augusta joins your Richard Rogers for this week’s one on one with more on their mission as we near the start of the school year in Richmond County.

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