Audit finds no wrongdoing in Gateway School cost controversy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County audit report triggered by a reported increase in the price of the Gateway School has been released.

Back in October, the Chattanooga Times Free Press had reported the project had doubled in cost to $80 million dollars after being presented as a $40 million dollar project.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said this number was not reflective of his office’s intended plans for the site.

The $80 million dollar figure would have only applied if the Center of Creative Arts was moved to the Gateway Building alongside a new technical school.

Mayor Wamp says his office prefers the site to be just a technical school, with a cost that still projects at $40 million.

An audit report written by Hamilton County Auditor Chris McCollugh says after reviewing the allegations in the article, in his opinion, Mayor Wamp’s office did not mislead the public on the cost of the project.

The audit committee, which includes Commissioner Chip Baker, did discuss next steps to avoid a repeat situation.

“My whole thing was about, this whole thing could’ve gone away with better communication, which is what I’ve been preaching… I agree with the report, it’s just the way that it was handled,” said Commissioner Baker.

You can view the audit report on this issue here.