Augusta will audit the city Parks and Recreation department for the first time in decades for discrepancies in spending and revenues among its numerous service offerings.
The audit may take months to complete as Augusta has no internal auditor under contract to complete routine audits. Procurement Director Geri Sams warned the commission Tuesday the audit may be “very expensive” based on the level of detail sought.
Recreation Director Maurice McDowell made a quick exit Feb. 14 after an investigation into allegations of age discrimination, fraternization and sexual harassment came to light.
But dating at least to his role as go-between in former commissioner Sammie Sias’ tax-funded upgrades at Jamestown Community Center, which witnesses said Sias used as his personal playhouse, there have been questions.
The FBI only looked far enough to find Sias deleted department records, but it was enough to send Sias to federal prison.
With McDowell gone, it’s a great opportunity to set Augusta’s new recreation director “up for success,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom, who is term-limited and pushing for the audit.
The audit findings will also “send the right message” to other city departments and the public about accounting for public funds, Frantom said.
The list of items compiled by Frantom that the commission approved include detailed spending reports at Lake Olmstead Park, the Riverwalk and all parks, community center rentals and revenues, Candlelight Jazz revenues and expenditures, all departmental hotel nights and all vendor and service contracts.
The commission approved the audit 6-4 with Stacy Pulliam, Tony Lewis, Francine Scott and Bobby Williams voting no.
Commissioner Jordan Johnson said he voted for the audit to “uphold transparency in our government and to strengthen oversight over city spending.”
In other action, the commission agreed to hold a workshop to discuss the powers and duties of the Augusta Aviation Commission, which governs operations at Augusta Regional Airport.
The commission also voted to rescind or negate prior actions against the Smart Grocery on Wrightsboro Road, Shopper’s Stop on Olive Road and Club Rain on Gordon Highway after the owners promised a reduction in crime.
