Augusta committee recommends Parks audit after being told of a cheaper bid
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – It’s been on some commissioners to do list for months: auditing the Parks and Recreation Department.
“I feel that the citizens of Augusta Georgia deserve to know. We’re not saying anybody did anything wrong. We want to look, and I want to see,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.
The Finance Committee are debating whether to recommend spending up to $71,000 on an Atlanta Firm to conduct an audit of the Parks and Recreation Department. The debate comes three months after the resignation of director, Maurice McDowell.
Commissioner Tony Lewis pointed out that means McDowell is no longer in charge.
“I can use this metaphor right here. It’s almost to the point we’re trying to close the barn door after the horse has already gotten out,” Lewis said.
But the Finance Committee voted three to one in favor of the audit with Commissioner Francine Scott the sole committee vote against.
“I just don’t think that’s a good way to spend taxpayer money. Do we need to put some policy and procedures in place? Absolutely. I think that’s a lot of money,” said Commissioner Scott.
But the audit is not as expensive as commissioners were first told because a new firm was recommended.
The Procurement Department told city leaders a qualified bid got overlooked after being delivered early.
So instead of $140,000, it would be $70,000.
But even so, some commissioners are still making up their minds before next week’s final vote.
“To see whether or not this is something that I think we need to do right now, I’m kind of on the fence about it. I just don’t know at this point time,” said Commissioner Bobby Williams.
But for some commissioners, it is time to audit the Parks Department.
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