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Councilwoman Labay presses staff over unexplained URA fund transfers to Ameris Bank
Summary
Councilwoman Lana J. Labay raised discrepancies in the Urban Redevelopment Agency’s historical revenues and questioned transfers from Regions Bank to Ameris Bank that staff could not document; staff said the funds (approximately $1.25) were moved into the city’s pooled operating account and committed to further review and possible budget amendments.
During the June 23 work session, Councilwoman Lana J. Labay flagged discrepancies in the Urban Redevelopment Agency’s (URA) historical revenues and expenditures and questioned transfers of URA funds between banks that she said lacked board approval.
City Manager Landry Merkison reported available records showed the URA account at Ameris Bank held approximately $1.25 and that those funds appeared to have been transferred into the City’s pooled operating account in late 2025. The Interim Chief Financial Officer told council staff had been unable to locate documentation authorizing the transfer.
Councilwoman Labay expressed concern that unauthorized transfers or unexplained expenditures could create liability for the city and asked staff and the City Attorney to seek accountability. The City Attorney advised generally that a council member would not be personally responsible for actions she neither authorized nor directed but encouraged staff to locate documentation and present corrective options.
Why it matters: The URA and DDA manage redevelopment resources intended for downtown and other city projects; unexplained transfers or missing authorizations raise questions about internal controls and transparency and could require budget amendments or audit follow-up.
Next steps: Staff agreed to meet with Councilwoman Labay and the City Attorney to determine corrective actions and to present any necessary budget amendments at the Special Called Meeting on June 30, 2026. A member of the public also raised concerns about Downtown Development Authority expenditures that may not have been reflected in board discussions or approvals.
