AUGUSTA, Ga. () – What is going down with the James Brown Arena has Commissioner Alvin Mason not feeling good.

“Oh, what a tangled web you weaved when at first you tried to deceive the voters of Augusta-Richmond County,” said Mason.
The Coliseum Authority announced last month that the working title for the complex is now the New Augusta Arena.
Mason showing a video where the name James Brown Arena was used, he says, to get voter support for a new sales tax to pay for the new arena.

“You have fraudulently and intentionally deceived the citizens of Augusta Richmond County in order to receive sales tax money utilizing the name James Brown,” Mason said.

Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to the Coliseum Authority in support of keeping the name James Brown Arena.

“I think we should make sure that James Brown’s legacy and the history of his music are protected on that arena,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.

And while city leaders oppose tossing out the name James Brown Arena, commissioners approved a new 19-million-dollar garbage service contract.

The contract is with one hauler. Right now, there’s two, and the contract ends Augusta offering recycling to its customers.

Now, those who want to recycle will need to make a separate deal with the hauler for a monthly fee.

“Second largest city, one provider, and the recycling… we still haven’t got a firm grip on how to solve the recycling,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.

For Commissioners, it was a day for a new garbage deal and to say, “Don’t toss out the name James Brown Arena.”