North Augusta City Council approved the first reading of the proposed 2022 budget during the regular meeting on Oct. 18.
A public hearing before the meeting was held to accept citizen input or answer questions. Just one person spoke.
MORE: Public Hearing Set for 2022 North Augusta Budget Overview
Kenton Makin said he’s concerned about the distribution of the expenditures, specifically that public safety and general government make up the majority of the funds.
“When I see homeless people in the rain, pushing carts,” he said. “When I see people who have lack of access, lack of transportation, I just believe we have an opportunity here in North Augusta to speak to those issues. Particularly, we have the opportunity to come forth, come together and talk about the budget.”
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Finance Director Cammie Hayes presented council with a proposed total budget of just under $48 million. The current budget is just over $44.6 million.
City Administrator Jim Clifford is requesting a 4% cost of living adjustment for all employees.
To pay for the COLA and other new expenses, the proposed budget keeps the current millage rate of 73.50. However, because of reassessments in Aiken and Edgefield Counties, North Augusta property owners will see an increase in their property tax.
MORE: Time for the Public to Weigh in on North Augusta’s 2022 Budget
Hayes says keeping the millage rate at 73.50 mills will result in an annual tax increase of about $31.00 on a person with a $200,000 home and two vehicles totaling $40,000 in value.
Council members voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the budget proposal.
The vote on the second reading, and passage of the budget, could be set for the Nov. 15 regular council meeting.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
