“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
This quote was written by Sir Walter Scott in his poem ” Marmion.” Could it also be describing the way Augusta department directors and leaders conduct much of the city business?
In last week’s column, I wrote of the stellar way in which the Columbia County leaders conduct their business. Much of it was concerning the city manager and Procurement Department. Little did I know that this week’s column would bring about the way in which Augusta’s Procurement department and leaders would conduct the business of procuring a firm to conduct the Parks and Recreation audit.
What I have learned is not very refreshing.
The commission awhile back approved the motion that would direct the Procurement Department to seek bids. They did just that, and that is where the web begins to be spun, or so it seems.
The firm of Marcum, LLP, with offices in the state of Rhode Island, was awarded the contract to conduct the audit, and the total cost was tagged at $ 141,365. This item was on the May 14, 2024 Finance Committee agenda to be approved.
Now, when the Finance Committee was called to order, it was noted that an addendum was added to the agenda, and an item was to be deleted. The deleted item was to approve the audit bid from Marcum, LLP.
It seems that the Procurement Department had taken another bid to look at and grade. Lo and behold another firm with offices in Atlanta was awarded the bid for just $71,664 from UHY Advisors.
UHY attempted to deliver the bid on time, but it was not through no fault of their own. So, after the initial bid was awarded, the department employees found the bid from UHY. It was deemed that the bid was within the rules and was graded.
UHY was then awarded the contract to be approved by the commission.
How does that sound to you so far? It gets better.
Commissioner Tony Lewis went on his usual spiel of why an audit should never ever happen with nary a word as to why one should happen. He seemed to linger on money collected from the Candlelight program at the Augusta Common.
Lewis seems more concerned that, for all the many thousands of dollars spent by the government to find what he believes to be a small amount of money missing is not worth the effort.
What he is really worried about, in my opinion, is who would be next? Would they start with the Parks and Rec. Department then go after the Engineering Department or the Utilities Department?
Both Lewis and Commissioner Francine Scott seemed to think putting procedures in place would better account for monies in all departments. I guess they missed the memo that all departments have stated and written “operating procedures.”
Lewis even went so far as to ask Finance Director Donna Williams if she would be found and held responsible for any infractions? Shifting the blame already.
Now, if you recall awhile back, I stated the audit hasn’t been approved, and it still hasn’t passed the entire commission.
Already we know that Lewis, Scott and most likely Stacy Pulliam are against it. Commissioner Bobby Williams has stated his thoughts of not needing one to find $2.50 or so lost in the sofa cushions. Now, with election time upon us, he says he is just not sure.
To me that is downright amusing.
There will be no meeting Tuesday since it’s Election Day. The meeting was moved to Wednesday, the day after. I am willing to bet he will be sure on Wednesday. Also, depending on election out comes, opinions may indeed change for some.
Now, if an audit does happen, the taxpayers will not get what they are paying for. Not to demean the firm performing the audit; the parameters, I suspect, will change.
For my money, I would have called on two people I know to perform the audit. Past Commissioner Jerry Brigham, who knows a thing or two or three about accounting and procedures. He is a man of honesty, integrity and of the highest morals.
The other gentleman is Al Grey. This man is also of the highest caliber, and he knows how to read a financial ledger. In the past, he has even found Augusta malfeasance while walking through the woods in Lincolnton County. Remember “Tractor Gate” that caused the landfill director to lose his job.
Put these two men together and just let them do their thing.
Tuesday is the day new or the same will be elected. Either way it will be a day of reckoning. Will some voters continue to vote along party or race lines ignoring the obvious bad choices or will they break ranks and actually vote for the most qualified?
It will be interesting to watch.
There has been forum after forum for each and every candidate to speak their minds and to express their platforms. One thing I, as well as many, noticed was the lousy sound systems used for the candidates to spout their particular jargon.
There is a newcomer to Augusta politics, Kenny Osorio, and not much is known of him. The one thing I noticed is how low key and quiet he is. In fact, he is so quiet-spoken no one around me could understand a word he said.
I have a friend, David Peltier, who has the hearing of a bat maneuvering a darkened cave. In fact, his hearing is so acute he can hear a church mouse in the basement burp after eating a big chuck of government cheese. Not even he could understand Osorio.
Speak up Mr. Osorio! You may just have something to say worth listening to.
Will District Three vote to allow seated Commissioner Catherine McKnight to continue to represent her constituents as she has done with dedication and results or will the voters turn her away?
District Five should be a bit of shock and awe with a seat change looming. District Seven has two candidates. Both have organizational skills and both have years of leadership in their selected fields. One medical, the other with building and architectural.
Marshall Bedder is a fairly recent Augusta newcomer, and the other, Tina Slendak, is a life long resident. Which works better in local government?
District Nine has a candidate who served on the commission for 16 years. Marion Williams was a commissioner that voted on his own volition, and he didn’t vote party or race; he always voted on the item.
The other candidate, incumbent Francine Scott, has worked in state government for nearly 30 years. She knows the way it works. She has been a commissioner that has mostly voted with the noted Gang of Five. Will old school return?
There is a real possibility.
District One has two strong contenders. One a present and one a past commissioner. Again, will old school return or will more talk with less results stay the course?
Will the district attorney manage to keep his position? Has the many citizens that has seen his performance demand a change? Will they turn to new and fresh direction with results the main course of discussion? There again, is a change a coming? Possibly.
Sheriff Richard Roundtree is barely holding on to his throne. He has two strong challengers, both with valuable street cred. One has more administration experience than the other. Will this race go to November? Presently there is no GOP candidate.
The mayor having a vote is likely the big issue driving people to the polls. For me, that is an indication that people are voting yes.
I believe the mayor must have a vote to help move this city forward. It will stop the games commissioners play to stop forward progress of any item they don’t want. With the mayor having a vote any number of commissioners can abstain, walk out or just vote present to further their personal agenda or want. As long as five commissioners vote the same the mayor’s vote can move the agenda item forward.
History shows us that Augusta normally has a small percentage of voter turn out. It takes less than 15 minutes of your time usually to go into a voting place, vote and leave. Is your vote not worth 15 minutes?
When you go to the polls, vote on the Democratic ballot. That way you can vote in the district attorney’s race as well as the Sheriff’s race. It will have your district commissioners choice, as well as the mayors vote.
On Nov. 5, if you are a GOPer you can return to your party.
Folks, as usual, you just can’t make this stuff up.
