Georgia owed small business $61K, pinning delays on new payroll system | Behind the Investigation

Behind the Investigation with Atlanta News First

Zenobia Willis was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Willis is a small business owner who runs a transport service for disabled adults, seniors and dialysis patients. She said the state agency she works with, the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC), owed her $61,000. Willis said the state-funded agency had not paid her since July.

“There is no reason why it should take three months to get paid,” Willis said. “You cannot run a business, especially a transportation business, without money.”

NEGRC is based in Athens, Georgia, and services 12 counties and 54 cities. It is one of twelve regional commissions in Georgia created “to foster the implementation of joint local, state, and federal programs.”

Acting Director Burke Walker confirmed payment delays to 18 vendors, including Willis.

Read the full story here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/11/22/georgia-department-confirms-statewide-payment-delays-vendors/