News Summary
Hawthorne Welcher has stepped down as the Housing and Community Development Director in Augusta, Georgia following allegations of mismanagement concerning federal rental assistance funds. His resignation follows scrutiny from federal authorities after the city was mandated to repay $6.5 million in unspent funds meant for COVID relief. The situation has prompted an audit to investigate the handling of these federal funds, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the department.
Augusta, Georgia – Housing Director Resigns Amid Federal Funds Investigation
Hawthorne Welcher has resigned from his position as the Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Community Development Director following a scandal involving federal funds. The resignation has been confirmed by Augusta Commission member Catherine Smith Rice.
Welcher had been on administrative leave since last month, a decision made in light of recent developments surrounding the management of federal rental assistance funds. The situation escalated when the federal government mandated the city to repay $6.5 million in unused funds designated for COVID-era programs aimed at preventing evictions.
The city utilized its general fund to meet the repayment requirement. In response to this financial obligation, city officials have initiated an audit of the Housing and Community Development Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unspent funds.
Ongoing Investigations
Earlier this week, law enforcement activity intensified at the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building, with federal agents present to conduct investigations. Although the FBI agents were seen on-site, they did not provide specific information regarding the focus of their inquiry. The recent federal activity has raised questions about potential links to the missing funds.
Welcher’s departure comes in the wake of scrutiny concerning the management of federal funds that were part of programs designed to assist residents during the pandemic. Reports indicate that the need for repayment emerged after officials realized the grant money had not been utilized in a timely manner.
Timeline and Background
Several months prior to the discovery of the unspent federal funds, city officials believed they had effectively managed the situation. However, investigations revealed that the funds had not only gone unused but had also missed the deadline for being returned. This oversight prompted federal action, culminating in the requirement for the city to repay funds intended for crucial support to residents facing housing instability.
As a direct consequence of this financial mismanagement, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson referred to the ongoing review of the situation as “personnel matters,” though further details could not be made available to the public.
The audit and other investigations are expected to shed light on the overall management practices within the Housing and Community Development Department and to ensure accountability for the handling of federal funds. City officials have expressed the need for transparency and corrective measures as they navigate the fallout from the current situation.
As the situation develops, Augusta-Richmond County officials are likely to face increased scrutiny from both the community and federal authorities about how these funds were managed and what measures will be instituted to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In summary, the resignation of Hawthorne Welcher marks a significant juncture for the Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Community Development Department as the city deals with the implications of unresolved federal funding issues and seeks to restore public trust.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta Housing Department Under FBI Investigation for Missing Funds
Augusta Housing Director Resigns Over Mismanagement Scandal
FBI Investigates Augusta’s Housing Department Amid Funds Controversy
FBI Involvement in Augusta Raises Concerns Over Grant Funds
FBI Investigates Missing COVID Relief Funds in Augusta
Georgia’s Schools Face Federal Pressure Over DEI Initiatives
Additional Resources
- WJBF: Augusta Housing and Development Director Resigns
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- WFXG: Director Resigns Amid Pending Audit
- Google Search: Augusta Housing and Community Development
- Augusta Chronicle: Housing Proposal Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- WRDW: Embattled Augusta Official Quits
- Google News: Augusta Funds Scandal
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
