News 12 at 11 o'clock, Tuesday, February 7, 2012

AUGUSTA, GA -- Some people are TEED off when it comes to the TEE Center parking deck. It seems the city built the expensive parking deck on land it doesn't own. Augusta commissioners signed off on a deal critics say is way too risky.

"Mr. Mayor you can't tell me how to talk," declared commissioner J.R. Hatney. "I have always respected you. I would never disrespect you, but at the end of the day I've got just as much right to voice my opinion as you have sir."

Tempers were on full display one day after mayor Deke Copenhaver released a scathing op-ed on News 12. It slammed commissioners as overzealous bullies in search of media attention.

"I am just as concerned about the money of the city as you say you are," said commissioner Hatney.

"Thank you for your opinion," replied Copenhaver.

It all centers around a controversial TEE Center parking deal that now has the required 6 votes after months of infighting.

"I think it is a blatant disregard for citizens in this city who pay their taxes and who pay their salaries," said community activist Lori Davis.

Davis recently took to Facebook highlighting local reports that revealed liens on the property and news the city built a $12 million deck on property they didn't own.

"You need to come down here and see what happens," said Davis. "And what these commissioners vote on."

Commissioners approved a 5 year deal first suggested on News 12. The mayor pro tem declared the original 15 year compromise a non-starter.

"I'll tell you that now," said mayor pro tem Joe Bowles. "It needs to be five years."

The deal also requires that the land for the parking deck be transferred to the city land bank and be free of liens.

"You don't even have assurances from Wells Fargo that they will release the lien," said commissioner Alvin Mason. "There are any number of reasons why you wouldn't vote for that."

This is not the end of the TEE Center debate. This was just the parking deck agreement. Commissioners are expected to vote on the actual TEE Center agreement in the coming weeks.