SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) – More light is being shed on the spending of Southaven Mayor Greg Davis. Records from the city’s credit card account were released to abc24.com.
When abc24.com spoke with Davis he was in full clean up mode.
“I'm still going to act as mayor, promote city and do things (that I've) always done,” said Davis.
State investigators said if Davis doesn't produce receipts he'll have to repay more than $150,000. Most of those expenses were run up on the city's credit card between 2009 and 2011.
“Half of it can be accounted for in about two restaurants, airline tickets and hotel stays,” Davis told abc24.com.
Bank records show Mayor Davis likes his beef. A trip to Longhorn Steak House in Southaven was almost $600. At least 15 trips to the Mesquite Chophouse in Southaven cost thousands of dollars and his tab for two trips to Ruth's Chris Steak House in Biloxi, Miss., was more than $14,000.
Davis also likes to travel. Various air line tickets cost more than $500; a trip and a stay at the Dana Hotel & Spa in Chicago cost nearly $2,000. One charge at the Beau Rivage Hotel tallied nearly $1,000.
Davis maintains the cash was spent to attract business to Southaven. The Mississippi State Auditor said if Davis can't provide the receipts, he will owe about $170,000, which includes the charges, interest and investigative fees. That payment plan is still being worked out.
