What do receipts say about Augusta mayor’s spending?

Published

2 years ago

August 7, 2024

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.

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

Published

12 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 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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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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