The Augusta, Georgia Land Bank Authority (AGLBA) held a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 24, and approved a new entertainment and travel expense policy. This policy was introduced at a finance committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
New Policy
In response to recent concerns regarding questionable spending habits, the new policy that will require the screening of entertainment and travel-related purchases made by the Land Bank.
These concerns stem from a myriad of large bills racked up by AGLBA Executive Director Shawn Edwards at adult entertainment venues and fine dining establishments.
According to AGLBA Chairman Chris Johnson, the policy requires that expenditures related to travel and entertainment be pre-approved by the land bank’s finance committee. The new policy will be made part of the overall bylaws immediately.
Johnson said this policy “will help ensure that we provide oversight and guidance on financial matters associated with the Augusta, Georgia Land Bank Authority.”
He also suggested that Edwards will still be able to continue making travel and entertainment purchases, but will have to have these purchases approved beforehand.
“The [executive] director of the Land Bank is the operational manager for the organization, you’re not going to handcuff that person,” said Johnson. “But any expenses that are out of the ordinary, certainly those will go to the finance committee first before we move forward.”
