KINGSLAND, Ga. — There are questions over the spending habits of Mayor Kenneth Smith while out of town on trips.
Action News has learned the Kingsland mayor even billed taxpayers for a massage. The questions have been circulating around the expense reports for the Kingsland mayor for years. One councilmember tells us it's why they voted to take away the city credit cards from elected officials.
Councilman Alex Blount is questioning the hundreds of dollars in trips all over the country. Most are in Georgia, but we were told there were some trips to Birmingham, AL, Kansas City, MO, Denver, CO and San Diego, CA.
For Action News on the go, sign up for Action News Mobile & Email alerts
Smith put those trips on his city credit card.
"Every charge has been made with no documents to support it," said Blount.
Within 30 minutes of our arrival at city hall Thursday, Mayor Smith showed up to answer our questions. We asked how much travel was required as mayor for a city the size of Kingsland.
"Well, just depends on the organizations you work with," said Smith.
This isn't the first time there has been an issue. Councilman Blount says he questioned the mayor last year after noticing a charge for a massage at a Savannah hotel. The mayor said it was supposed to be a comp from the hotel.
[ Related Link: Today's Top Stories ]
"The hotel, because the room was not ready," said Smith. "It was nothing I did intentionally."
That's why one councilman says the expenses need further investigation.
"There has not been one single receipt," said Blount.
We asked the mayor what it takes to submit a receipt. "I had receipts and unfortunately I had damage at my home, and I had them in a box. Dry with water, it's like a sponge almost," said Smith.
We did find out the mayor's travel budget last year was nearly $3,500. He went over that by about $2,000.
As for that airline ticket, the mayor said it would be reimbursed by an organization that held the event. The $135 massage was also reimbursed.