News 12 at 6 o'clock / Monday, Jan. 30, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- A heated day at the Augusta Commission can only be described as explosive.

It was supposed to be the compromise agreement, but now some commissioners are now looking to get rid of the project attorney for the controversial TEE Center parking deck.

"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.

"All right," screamed Finance Chairman Jerry Brigham. "I've had enough of both of you."

The city just spent $12 million to build a deck on property they don't own. Leaders reluctantly accepted the air rights, and they are now learning those air rights are now in jeopardy.

"The city is going to want their land, aren't they?" said TEE Center operator Paul Simon. "They are going to want their right."

It turns out there are liens on the property. The air rights will not be released until the city votes yes on the new parking agreement. Those are the terms apparently negotiated early on between the bank and the city attorney for the project.

"The agreements have to be completed in order to get the liens released," Simon said. "Yes."

Commissioners say they were left in the dark. They blame Attorney Jim Plunkett.

"Everybody has their own opinion," Plunkett said.

A forensic audit has been ordered to get to the bottom of the ordeal.

"But I've never seen partners being treated like we've been treated," Simon said. "Accusing people of doing things wrong. We don't operate like that."

News 12 asked Simon if he took offense to the suggestion there is something criminal going on."

"I think they're wrong and the audit will prove it," Simon said.

The new management plan did not gain support in the committee meeting. It goes to the full commission next week without a recommendation.