Augusta commissioners will begin discussions Tuesday of options for a locally-created floating homestead exemption to provide property tax relief to homeowners.
The discussion follows the commission’s Feb. 26 vote to opt out of House Bill 581, which would limit property tax hikes to the rate of inflation. The commission pledged to explore alternative solutions at the local level.
The city’s Administrative Services Committee is expected to hear options for the exemption presented by Administrator Tameka Allen and Chief Appraiser Scott Rountree, according to the meeting agenda.
In other action:
- The committee will receive a report from Augusta 311 on resident-initiated service requests in 2024. The department received 196,847 calls, answering 107,115 during operating hours. Of these, 35,020 were related to environmental services.
- Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle and Commissioner Brandon Garrett have requested a discussion on the future role and funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Augusta.
Public Services Committee
- Guilfoyle will present a proposal to impose a moratorium on new apartment developments in Augusta, except within the Downtown Business District.
- Dr. Lee A. Donohue, district health director for Georgia’s East Central Health District 6, will provide an update on mosquito control efforts after a request by Commissioner Tony Lewis.
Engineering Services Committee
- The committee will review a proposal to increase fees for the city’s Vacant Lot Program. The proposal includes increasing the hourly rate for inmate or contract labor from $200 to $350, effective April1.
Public Safety Committee
- The Augusta Public Safety Committee will consider approval of a $1.5 million contract with Treanor, LLC for space planning and schematic design for an expansion of the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Phase 1 of the project will add 300 new beds and the total estimated cost of the project is $115 million.
Committee meetings start at 1 p.m. at Augusta Municipal Building or after the conclusion of the Augusta Commission’s called 11 a.m. meeting.
