The Augusta Commission sold a historic fire station Tuesday. In addition, city committees set credit card spending limits for elected officials and approved an audit of Augusta Parks and Recreation.
Old Engine Company No. 7, located at 2163 Central Ave., was built in 1914 as Augusta’s first station to house motor-driven fire engines, but fell into disrepair since the department moved out.
The commission authorized its sale some time ago and Tuesday, approved selling the property to James G. James for $550,000 after a closed session. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Several commissioners declined requests to comment on the sale.
Also meeting Tuesday, the Finance Committee approved setting spending limits and a new policy for elected officials who use city-issued credit cards, including the mayor.
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle made a motion to limit transactions to $15,000 per month, with no individual transaction spending limit. It was seconded by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam.
Comparable cities’ card limits varied widely, according to the city’s data. Columbus limits individual transactions to $5,000 and monthly transactions to $10,000, for all employees. Macon imposes a $2,500 transaction limit and $25,000 monthly limit, also for all. But Savannah’s mayor has a $10,000 transaction limit and $50,000 monthly limit.
The policy left existing Augusta limits in place, such as the Richmond County Marshal’s $20,000 monthly limit and the Clerk of Commission’s $50,000 limit.
The Public Services committee voted 3-1 to conduct an audit of Augusta Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Sean Frantom said it would set up “for success” a new director to be hired and other aspects of the department.
Everything on the Engineering Services and Public Safety committee agendas, including new 10-year garbage contracts, was sent to the full commission without recommendation due to the lack of committee quorums Tuesday.
The Administrative Services committee discussed adding a full-time EMA director to the city staff, which would remove the designation from Augusta’s fire chief.
Mayor Garnett Johnson said the years-long recovery effort from Hurricane Helene needs a dedicated staff, while Commissioner Bobby Williams asked what the director will do between disasters.
Fire Chief Antonio Burden said while he’ll support the commission’s decision, having the dual role streamlines handling of emergencies.
