News 12 at six o'clock, March 26, 2008

Augusta, GA---Employees are dropping left and right at the James Brown arena. One day after the Augusta Coliseum Authority announced it's third firing this month the Augusta commission is getting involved.

Augusta commissioner Joe Bowles is calling a special finance committee meeting for the coliseum authority. "It seems like they're making decisions without having a plan to back up those decisions," said District 3 Commissioner Joe Bowles.

The coliseum authority knocked out it's finance team with a 1, 2 punch. First the CPA...then the finance director.

"I think it's time for the coliseum authority to come to the commission to explain where there goals are and where they're headed," said Commissioner Bowles. He wants a look at the most recent audit reports and current financial statements.

With the finance team down for the count, Augusta commissioner Joe Bowles is looking to call in an accounting firm. "We're open for any suggestion for how we think it would be best for us to move forward," said Keith Brown who is a member of the authority.

This comes as the management team dwindles, and sell-out attractions become a thing of the past. "I think we at least have to put them on notice that we are watching, and we expect them to try to get their house in order," said Bowles.

Interestingly enough, coliseum authority members say it could be what happens in a boxing ring that brings people back to the arena complex by the thousands...the ESPN Wednesday night fight.

"I don't believe that ESPN would be coming back to this same venue if they were not pleased with what happened the last time," said Mr. Brown. The last time, Augusta's own Sting Ray Whitfield took to the ring to a sold out crowd at the bell. The stage is set for him to do it again in 2 weeks.

The authority admits things haven't been pretty, but not many fights are. "There's lot of training that goes on, there's a lot of sacrifice, and I think we're working now, and we're sacrificing now, and we're making some changes that are necessary for us to be victorious as well," said Mr. Brown.

The special session is scheduled for next Tuesday at 12:30 at the Augusta Municipal Building.