News 12 at 6 o'clock, Monday, February 6, 2012

AUGUSTA, GA --The mayor says commissioners are quote "hellbent on belittling, berating, and bullying city employees." This all centers around that controversial TEE Center parking deck deal that seems stuck in neutral.

"The motives of our staff are publicly attacked by individual commissioners who seem hell-bent on belittling, berating, and bullying city employees," said Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver in a recent Op Ed on News 12. "This behavior and this constant raking employees over the coals is not good for the city of Augusta."

The mayor's lengthy Op Ed comes after a recent raucous commission meeting.

"You can't just take a swing at people and not give them a chance to respond," cried city administrator Fred Russell.

"I wasn't swinging at you," replied commissioner Alvin Mason as he suggested the attorney for the controversial TEE Center parking agreement step down.

"I've had enough of both of you," screamed finance committee chairman Jerry Brigham.

It all centers around the $12 million TEE Center parking deck that sits on property the city does not own. The latest compromise calling for a 15 year management agreement is gaining little traction.

"Absolutely not," said mayor pro tem Joe Bowles. "It needs to be five years."

"Taxpayers have been bilked year after year," said former mayoral candidate Lori Davis.

Davis and radio personality Austin Rhodes are joining forces in support of a forensic audit.

"You have nothing to fear if you haven't done anything wrong," said Rhodes. "But as my mother once said...be sure your sins will find you out."

"I think it's a waste of taxpayer money," said Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver.

Mayor pro tem Joe Bowles says stupidity is not illegal.

"Yes. I know it's not going to show anything criminal," said Bowles about the audit. "It's going to show some stupid decisions by an attorney and some administrators."

Bowles also pledged $100 toward funding the audit.

"People that are clamoring for the forensic audit lets put up some money and see how much money we can raise to take the burden off all taxpayers," said Bowles. "And I would support the audit."

Meanwhile, a vote is fast approaching on an agreement that seems stuck in neutral.

"We've all got to work together to make Augusta a better place," said city administrator Fred Russell. "Sometimes it's a little interesting and heated. If it wasn't for that you'd have to go find another job someplace."

Commissioners vote on the TEE Center parking deck agreement tomorrow.