The Augusta Commission made no progress Tuesday on the 2026 budget but did move forward on plans to add temporary parking downtown.
Commissioners voted to enter an escrow agreement with Naman Augusta LLC. The agreement places $267,000 in an account that goes to the city if the company fails to build a promised hotel on the 1100 block of Broad Street.
Naman recently secured approval to demolish three buildings on the 1.66-acre site, including two historic structures. The Historic Preservation Commission required a performance bond to ensure the hotel is built.
HPC Chairman Dave Barbee said the escrow arrangement satisfies that condition.
“This meets the requirement for what we asked them to do,” he said.
While the project moves forward, Naman plans to open a temporary parking lot on the cleared site. The goal is to support nearby businesses that depend on parking during ongoing road construction.
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Budget talks remain stuck
Commissioners spent three-and-a-half hours on the budget Tuesday but reached no consensus. The proposed 2026 budget reflects a $21 million deficit.
So far, the commission has agreed on only three measures that add up to about $1.7 million in savings:
- Cuts to Housing and Community Development
- Cuts to the Richmond County Correctional Institution
- Higher employee insurance contributions
Administrator Tameka Allen first proposed a two-mill tax increase to generate about $16 million, paired with other reductions. Several commissioners continued to push back against a tax increase Tuesday.
“Without us making cuts to this government, I cannot see how we can pass an increase off to our taxpayers,” Commissioner Brandon Garrett said. Commissioner Don Clark said he was “optimistic” Augusta could use this moment to reset its finances.
On Tuesday, Allen suggested a smaller increase of 1.69 mills. The change would cost about $84 per year for a $100,000 home and $150 for a $200,000 home. The Richmond County Board of Education sets taxes that make up about two-thirds of most property tax bills.
The 1.69-mill plan would raise $13.5 million and require:
- 30% cuts to outside agencies, such as the Greater Augusta Arts Council
- Departmental cuts up to 3%
- A reduction to Augusta Transit
- Elimination of six filled positions
Allen also outlined two alternatives:
- A one-mill increase dedicated only to the Sheriff’s Office
• Requires an additional 6.5% cut
• Cuts 60–90 filled positions - No tax increase
• Requires an additional 8% cut
• Cuts 120–240 positions
• Excluding elected officials pushes required reductions to 24.75%
Other revenue options include a new 1% sales tax, though funds would not arrive until late 2026, or an energy excise tax on manufacturers that would raise about $2 million. Counties including Chatham, Columbia, DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett and McDuffie already levy the energy tax.
The commission faces a Nov. 18 deadline but recessed rather than adjourned Tuesday’s meeting. Members plan to reconvene at 10 a.m. next Tuesday.
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In other action:
Augusta Canal Authority Interim Director Russ Gambill and board President Richard Isdell said the authority now has only four filled positions. Revenue dropped sharply after Hurricane Helene, and more losses are expected when the canal is drained for repairs.
Allen’s proposed budget included $133,650 toward the agency’s $600,000 request.
Commissioners approved installing 24 lights along Jimmie Dyess Parkway from Wrightsboro Road to a point 1,150 feet south of Powell Road. The project uses $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds but needs $2 million more to fully light the corridor. Commissioners approved installing 24 lights along
