Augusta, GA
What do receipts say about Augusta mayor’s spending?
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Receipts obtained by News 12 could shed light on Augusta’s mayor reimbursements.
Questions about Mayor Garnett Johnson’s reimbursement request were first brought up by commission a couple of weeks ago.
Most city department heads have a city-owned credit card, but the mayor uses his personal credit card.
Every little bit adds up.
SEE THE MONTH-BY-MONTH REIMBURSEMENT DOCUMENTS:
Just to note: The mayor is not breaking any policy by asking for reimbursements to his personal credit card.
That’s because there is no policy to address specific requests.
From January to June, the mayor requested to be reimbursed more than $57,000.
We requested all receipts turned in by the mayor during this time. These expenses include conference trips, office supplies and more.
- More than $2,000 for the mayor’s Masters reception
- Nearly $4,000 at the Masters gift shop for guests
- Nearly $18,000 combined on Masters food and parking
- More than $2,400 for a white house state dinner
In a July 16 letter, the city’s finance director, Donna Williams, told the mayor she strongly urged the mayor to stop using his personal credit card for government-related purchases.
She said the same thing in a January 26 letter when the mayor requested more than $41,000 for charges made from Dec. 23, 2023 until Dec. 30, 2023.
SEE THE LETTERS:
Williams also says she spoke to members of his staff in October and encouraged the use of the procurement process.
In the same letter, she attached a link to the city’s policy when it comes to city credit cards.
The mayor asked Williams if it was required for the mayor to have a city-issued card. Williams said it’s not her decision and what is currently being requested is outside of existing policies.
The mayor says his office and the finance department are working through a solution they hope to settle at Tuesday’s committee meeting.
He says he expects to have more to report after that meeting.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Another mural is underway in downtown Augusta.
This piece is called “Arts and Entertainment in the Era of the Golden Blocks.”
You can find it on Laney Walker Boulevard and 12th Street.
This mural will feature prominent African American artists, locally, nationally, and internationally renowned – all by the hands of artist Theron Cartwright.
Take a drive in the area and you’ll see four murals and five sculptures along Laney-Walker Boulevard as a part of the project.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person was killed in a crash on Old Waynesboro Road early Wednesday morning, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 2:05 a.m., the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 4500 block of Old Waynesboro Road about a traffic accident with injuries, authorities say.
Upon arrival, deputies say they learned a single vehicle, which was traveling southbound, left the roadway and crashed.
The vehicle was occupied by two individuals – one victim was pronounced dead on the scene, while the second victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen says more information will be provided once the next of kin is notified.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A missing Augusta woman is dead. She was found in Atlanta.
36-year-old Shekema Toran was last seen on the 4400 block of T.J. Kelly Road in Augusta on July 31st.
According to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner Deputy Chief Investigator, Toran was found in a vehicle, in the parking lot of a Kroger, located on Wesley Chapel Rd in Decatur, Georgia.
The Deputy Chief Investigator at the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s office shared very little information, but did say, “We are currently investigating the death of Shakema Toran. I can’t release any other details at this time.”
Toran was believed to be in a white 2004 Ford F-250 with Georgia tag RJW-1158 driven by 37-year-old Barritz Martin who is wanted for questioning in her disappearance.
Toran’s death is being investigated by the Dekalb County Homicide Assault Unit.
Anyone with information concerning Barritz Martin or Shekema Toran, please contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.
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