Augusta commissioners face another push toward a budget decision Tuesday after weeks of discussion that have yet to produce agreement on new taxes or cuts large enough to close a $21 million shortfall.
The 2026 budget presented by Administrator Tameka Allen included a gap of approximately $11.6 million in the city’s general fund and was short $9.5 million in the sheriff’s office budget. Years of low taxes, expiring pandemic relief funds, increased personnel costs and other factors helped cause the shortfall, Allen has said.
Allen initially proposed a two-mill property tax increase that would raise about $18 million, but commissioners and the mayor have said the government needs to make more cuts before they should consider raising taxes.
Unfortunately, the deficit is so deep “you are not going to be able to cut your way out of this,” Allen told commissioners.
Tuesday is the second time the commission has reconvened after recessing an ongoing meeting, rather than adjourning it, to meet a budget calendar it set to finish Nov. 18 for the fiscal year that begins Jan. 1.
The commission has formed consensus around a few areas to cut, but they aren’t enough to close the gap. They are:
- Eliminate $470,000 from Housing and Community Development by eliminating five positions, two of which are vacant
- Cut $594,000 from Augusta Transit by eliminating a second bus on two routes
- Reduce Richmond County Correctional Institution by $682,000
- Shift $590,000 in employee healthcare costs to employees
- Cut departmental budgets by 3% for about $4.3 million savings
- Reduced a proposed 3% cost-of-living adjustment to 1% to save $2 million
- Reduce non-government organizations by 30% and required outside contributions by 10% for $865,000 savings
- Implement a six-month hiring freeze to save $2 million
Last week, the commission attempted to form a consensus behind a smaller tax increase of .85 mills, possibly dedicated to the sheriff’s office, but hasn’t agreed on an increase. The decision would commit the commission to raising taxes next August when it sets the millage for property tax bills.
The .85-mill increase would add $29.75 in city taxes to a homesteaded $100,000 home, or $63.75 annually on a $200,000 home, but would not eliminate the need for further percentage cuts and reductions in force. Job eliminations could reach 240 if the commission opts against any increase, Allen has said.
Should the commission not implement an increase, the city will have to cut at least 1These could be as steep as The increases are distinct from the school board’s portion of the bill, which makes up about two-thirds of taxes billed
The commission has rejected plans to implement an excise tax on energy, as some Georgia counties have done, or to borrow money.
The commission reconvenes at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Lee Beard Commission Chamber at Augusta Municipal Building.
