AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – It’s been three months since Augusta commissioners approved the resignation of Parks and Recreation Director Maurice McDowell, and on Tuesday, commissioners will debate spending the next two months doing a deep dive into the department’s finances.

“It’s well needed. I think it’s overdue that we analyze the department at a more significant level. I know they’re not bringing back everything, but at least, it’s a start even though it’s $141,000,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom.

Going before the Finance Committee on Tuesday will be a proposal to spend up to $141,000 on an audit firm to look into several aspects of the Parks budget under McDowell.

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“I think it’s time that we look and address these issues and put a lot of these accusations to rest,” said Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle.

This is some of what the city auditors will look at: the money being spent at community centers, hotel stays by Parks Department employees, the Candlelight Jazz series money, an I.T. department review if any parks department financial or personnel files were deleted, and if adequate safeguards are in place against loss or theft.

“There was cause. There was smoke in a lot of areas in the department. These would be the safeguards that we could implement into other departments,” said Frantom.

The city has started the search for McDowell’s replacement, but some commissioners want to wait until the audit is complete before making a hire.

“If we do the audit, we know the money from that moment on is clear. There no more misuse of money, and he can start fresh with his department,” said Guilfoyle.

But some commissioners saying that right now, they think $140,000 for the audit is too high.

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