The Augusta City Charter Review Committee voted to adopt charter language establishing an independent internal auditor office, setting a two‑year term for the position with reappointment by majority vote and approving the audit charter language that defines qualifications, scope and reporting requirements.

After a presentation from Dr. Facer and draft language prepared with the Carl Vinson Institute, committee members debated how long the initial term should be. Mister Powell and Mister Coleman supported a three‑year term, citing time needed to learn Augusta’s consolidated government. Miss Robinson and Mister Lewis proposed a two‑year substitute motion to balance continuity and oversight. Mister Lewis moved the two‑year substitute, Miss Robinson seconded; the substitute motion carried unanimously with Miss Bakos absent.

The adopted charter language specifies professional qualifications (examples cited: five years’ relevant experience, certified internal auditor, certified public accountant, or a bachelor’s degree), compensation consistent with other department heads, staff and professional development opportunities, and authority to hire contract auditors and to be subject to external peer review (the presentation noted peer reviews are often required every three years under the Government Auditing Standards issued by the U.S. Comptroller General, commonly called the "Yellow Book").

Committee discussion clarified the auditor would have unrestricted access to Augusta records and people and authority to audit activities, agencies and programs of Augusta, including nongovernmental organizations that receive city funding; counsel confirmed the drafted catchall phrase is intended to capture entities funded by Augusta. The adopted language requires audited agencies to respond in writing to final draft reports with reasons for disagreement and an implementation timetable, and it directs the internal auditor to report potential illegal activity to the chief prosecuting authority.

Committee members also asked about removal and contract implications: counsel said removal for cause would avoid payout, while the draft allows at‑will removal with a six‑vote threshold for cause in specified circumstances. The committee approved the audit charter language and the two‑year term in separate votes during the meeting.