Augusta city leaders are expected to double down Tuesday on next year’s spending challenges as Administrator Tameka Allen presents her 2026 budget proposal to the finance committee.
The city faces a significant financial gap as it prepares to enter the 2026 fiscal year. The general fund is expected to take an automatic $7.3 million hit when American Rescue Plan Act funds run out.
Further, the city had to use $11 million from reserves to cover a 2025 shortfall, depleting its fund balance, which Augusta’s auditors said needs to be replenished. And the shortfall included over $3 million the city had to repay the U.S. Treasury due to improper spending.
Allen has presented several big-ticket items to the commission as potential areas to cut, such as the Richmond County Correctional Institution or spending with non-government agencies, which adds up to more than $7 million. The commission has even looked at selling surplus property to raise cash.
In addition, the city went $7 million over budget last year for employee health care, adding to the shortfall, and hopes to avoid a repeat by adjusting employee contribution rates. Interim Finance Director Tim Schroer is expected to present his recommendations for employee contributions to the finance committee as well.
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Augusta committees meet starting at 1 p.m. or after the commission’s 11 a.m. standing called legal meeting ends. Also going before committees for recommendations Tuesday include:
- A proposal to overhaul Vernon Forrest Park from Harrisburg housing group Turn Back the Block. City staff recommended rejecting both of two concept plans based on a lack of funding and true design concepts.
- A request from Augusta Tomorrow for adoption of the 2035 Vision: A Blueprint for Action and Growth plan.
- A staff presentation on the various lease agreements Augusta is in.
- Procurement of new playground equipment for $194,476 from Game time for the Riverwalk after the existing equipment sustained irreparable damage from Hurricane Helene.
- Discussion sought by Commissioner Brandon Garrett of retention pond maintenance.
- Discussion of streetlight funding for Jimmie Dyess Parkway sought by Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.
- The purchase of two transport trucks for Animal Services from Akins Dodge Ford for $144,290.
- Buying five Dodge Durango Pursuits for the Richmond County Marshal’s Office from Akins for $266,773.
- The purchase of 11 vehicles — Ford Mavericks, Explorers, vans and extended cabs — for Augusta Fire Department from Akins for $531,620.
- Buying a Toro mower for Recreation from Jerry Pate Turf for $103,221.
