Saint Augustine's University's land could be in jeopardy due to unpaid bills

A judge has ruled that financially troubled Saint Augustine's University must pay what it owes for artificial turf or that company could take and sell some of the university's land to recoup the money.

In March, FieldTurf USA sued St. Aug's, claiming the historically Black college did not pay for about a month’s worth of work to install artificial grass for a football field. Court documents show the company entered an agreement Sept. 1, 2023. FieldTurf invoiced SAU with a payment due date of Nov. 4, 2023. Court documents say the school owes FieldTurf USA $598,472, plus interest and attorney’s fees.

Wake County Superior Court Judge James F. Ammons Jr. ruled that FieldTurf USA can recover that money through an "enforceable lien" against university property in downtown Raleigh, if the historically Black university doesn’t come up with the money.

The school could also face liens for the million dollars it owes to Management Professionals. A judge granted a default judgment in favor of Management Professionals last week. Now, the company can proceed in its efforts to get the money it says its owed. That could include putting another lien on the school’s property.

The IRS has filed three liens against the university so far this year – totaling nearly $10 million.

Based on tax records, WRAL Investigates calculated the total tax value of every piece of property owned by the university at more than $100 million.

The university celebrated a $7 million loan that allowed it to begin classes this fall, but that loan is secured with its real estate holdings.

WRAL Investigates asked the university spokesperson what these judgments could mean for the school and why a university representative did not respond or appear in court. WRAL has not heard back.

And there are plenty of other outstanding debts and questions. Providing those answers to creditors and the public will play a big part in whether the university is allowed to maintain its accreditation, currently in a probationary status.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges will make a final decision regarding its accreditation in December.