Audit Pending as Augusta Housing Director Remains Suspended Amid $6.5 Million Reimbursement to Feds
AUGUSTA, Ga. — After a lengthy closed-door legal session, Augusta city leaders have opted to take no immediate action regarding the future of suspended Housing and Development Director Hawthorne Welcher. The decision comes as the city faces scrutiny over millions in unspent federal rental assistance funds.
Welcher was placed on administrative leave earlier this month, following a vote by city commissioners to reimburse the federal government $6.5 million. The funds, originally provided for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, were not fully utilized and are now being returned.
“This is money that we’re having to pay back. It’s not just going to be $6.5 million — it’s going to be more. And that money could be used elsewhere,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice during Tuesday’s meeting.
Although officials confirmed that most of the funds are accounted for, concerns remain over incomplete reconciliation. “It’s not a full $6.5 million that’s missing — we do have the majority of that — but we do not have all of it. And a penny missing is a problem,” said Commissioner Alvin Mason.
Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle emphasized the importance of waiting for a complete audit before determining Welcher’s fate. “I’ve got to wait until we get all the information back from the audit, etcetera, and so we’ll take it and make a decision at that time,” Guilfoyle said.
City Administrator Tameka Allen noted that the timeline and cost of the audit remain uncertain. “We have not yet had a response on how long it’s going to take. Hopefully, we should know that within the next two weeks,” she said, adding that a cost estimate is not yet available.
When asked directly whether any money had been stolen, Commissioner Mason responded cautiously. “We don’t know. We certainly hope not. I don’t want to jump to that conclusion. We will find out, we’ll get to the bottom of it, and we’ll hold people accountable.”
As the investigation continues, further legal sessions could be scheduled to address ongoing concerns within the Housing and Development Department.
