Mayor Khalid Kamau faces scrutiny over spending $26K in South Fulton funds

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Questions over South Fulton mayor’s spending

The mayor of South Fulton, once again in the hot seat. This time, accused of using his city issued credit card for unauthorized expenditures. City officials say they don't even know how much he spent.

The mayor of South Fulton faces tough questions over his expenditures. Some members of the public and at least one council member accuse Mayor Khalid Kamau of making tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized expenditures with his city purchase card.

Councilwoman Helen Willis, District 6, says the mayor, who goes by the name Mayor Khalid, bought items with his city-issued purchase card and has yet to justify those expenses to her liking.

When asked if she believes the mayor made unauthorized purchases on his city card, Willis responded "It appears so. Within the last fourth quarter of 2024, it was approximately $26,000."

Willis says that last year, in one case, Mayor Khalid took a trip to Africa. "It’s a pretty large amount of unauthorized charges, mainly for international travel," Willis said.

Dozens of residents packed City Hall on Tuesday night. Some wanted answers. Willis says city policy dictates that city officials must produce an appropriate justification within 72 hours after making purchases with the card. "There are 112 receipts that have not been reconciled or submitted," Willis said.

Councilman Jaceey Sebastian, District 4, mayor pro tem, says Mayor Khalid has some explaining to do. "There are some things that I see in the public that need some explanation," Sebastian said.

Councilwoman Linda Pritchett, District 7, says she asked the mayor to address the matter with the public. "I would like to see the mayor have the opportunity to address the issue transparently."

When asked if she thought the mayor violated city policy, Pritchett answered, "At this time, it has not been determined that that has taken place."

FOX 5 asked the mayor twice to tell his side of the story. He ignored the requests.

Currently, there are no policies on international travel, but the card cannot be used for personal expenses.

Willis says the city could suspend the card if the mayor is found to violate city policy.

Ultimately, the council voted to suspend international travel for the next 30 to 45 days while the policy is reviewed and developed.

The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Christopher King. This article has been updated since it was originally reported to add new details from the meeting.

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