Federal agents conduct investigations at the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building amidst concerns over housing fund mismanagement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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