Augusta Commission Budget Work Session

Augusta Commission’s FY2027 Budget Work Session on October 24, 2026, covered Augusta Utilities and Augusta Transit. Utilities projected about $133 million in revenue and $126 million in expenses including capital, with operating costs proposed to rise by about $2.6 million. The director requested a 6.5% utility rate increase, citing infrastructure needs, inflation, and staff retention; the presentation also proposed higher sewer pre-tap, commercial development, and fire-line tap fees. No votes or approvals on these proposals were recorded. Capital projects discussed included approximately $7 million for the first phase of canal embankment repairs, $6 million for Lake Olmstead bulkhead gates, $3.5 million for the Travis Boyin Road pipeline, $10 million for the South Augusta Sewer Extension, $7 million for Highland Avenue filter upgrades, and about $5.5 million for the old filter building roof. Funding opportunities include state revolving-fund and hurricane-related grants and loans, SPLOST, and federal funding. Most estimates have not been through procurement; Travis Boyin Road was expected to go to procurement within two months.

The transit discussion covered operating costs, service needs, and potential procurements. Officials said the operating contract for fixed-route, paratransit, and rural services accounts for about 60% of the transit budget; the director corrected the contractor name to MV Transportation. Transit plans to advance procurement of a comprehensive operational analysis, with a goal of starting the process before year-end, and is preparing an RFP for bus-shelter and bench services. Officials also discussed grant-funded microtransit, possible trolley purchases using an available $12 million grant, and ride-share options, but no purchase decisions were made. A FlixBus arrangement was cited as expected to bring transit about $167,000 over five years. The meeting recorded no procurement-related votes or contract awards.