Talk Wasn't Cheap: Mayor Defends Retreat Costs

Talk Wasn't Cheap: Mayor Defends Retreat Costs (Added: March 23, 2009)

0 Ratings | 0 Video Views

Since 2006, it's been an annual event for Augusta leaders, holding a retreat to map out long range goals and discuss ways of better working as a unit. But this year, Commissioners went all the way to Athens, Georgia to talk about the needs of the Garden City, at a much greater cost. WJBF News Channel 6's George Eskola has the story.

By: George Eskola | WJBF-TV
Published: March 23, 2009

Augusta, GA -- City leaders say it was a sensational session, calling their latest retreat a great step forward.

“It was the best retreat we've ever had. The facilitator put it best, this government has come light years over the last couple of years,” says Mayor Deke Copenhaver.

Over the last couple of years, the Commission has held retreats close to home: downtown or at USC-Aiken, but this time Commissioners went all the way to Athens, Georgia to talk about the needs of Augusta.

“Sometimes we just need to dialogue, that's why folks don't get along we don't get a chance to just talk without somebody looking over their shoulders,” said Commissioner J.R. Hatney.

When the Commission held retreats downtown, at the Old Government House, the cost was about $1,500. Hitting the road going to Athens, with hotels, meals, it cost more than $5,000, so this time talk wasn’t any cheaper.

So, with the city struggling with spending, do taxpayers buy the need to spend $3,000 more to retreat on the road?

“They need to be as conservative as possible because we can't take trips. As individuals, we have to cut back," said P. Schmidt, of Augusta.

"What’s the advantage going somewhere and having a meeting? I don't get it, $5,000, probably not a good idea,” said David Kinsey.

“It's not like we were going to a resort or anything,” said the Mayor, referring to the fact the retreat was held at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education at UGA. The Mayor added, the cost of the retreat was in the budget.

“In the overall scheme of things...the importance of us functioning more efficiently and effective as a government far outweighs the cost," said Mayor Copenhaver.