AUGUSTA, Ga. — The West Augusta Alliance will host a community forum on Thursday evening to address long-standing concerns about the city’s Parks and Recreation department and the state of Augusta Richmond County-owned cemeteries.

The event, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Augusta in the Mission Activities Center, is expected to draw a significant number of local residents eager for answers. Mayor Johnson, along with several district commissioners, are slated to attend and engage with community members on key issues affecting the area.

A primary focus of the forum will be the audit of the Parks and Recreation department. Many residents have expressed concerns about the management of the department and how taxpayer dollars are being allocated. The audit, which is currently in procurement, aims to provide transparency regarding the department’s financial practices and ensure that resources are being used effectively.

Rita Hamilton, President of the West Augusta Alliance, emphasized the importance of addressing the public’s concerns. “I think the people who have loved ones in the cemeteries are going to be very interested in getting answers,” Hamilton stated. “With the cemeteries being closed, residents want to know when they will be able to access them again.”

Cemetery closures have been a point of frustration for many in the community, with families and individuals seeking clarity on when they will be allowed to visit or make arrangements.

During the forum, Commissioner Tina Slendak voiced her hope that the audit would yield positive results. “I hope we find nothing but good news,” Slendak remarked. “I hope the audit confirms that resources are being spent wisely and that everything is running smoothly. While audits are often seen as a way to uncover issues, sometimes they reveal that things are operating as they should.”

The community forum offers an opportunity for residents to ask questions, voice their concerns, and engage with local leaders on issues that directly impact them. The West Augusta Alliance has encouraged all interested residents to attend and take part in the discussion.

The forum comes at a time when transparency and accountability are at the forefront of public interest, with residents eager to see how their local government is addressing these important community concerns.