Special Called/Augusta Committee Meeting

Augusta, Georgia committee meeting, November 10, 2026: Members reviewed an analysis of underused parks and facilities and discussed redirecting maintenance resources toward higher-use sites. A motion, seconded by a commissioner, would direct the administrator to issue an RFP to identify a broker to assist with selling surplus parks, excluding Al Williams Park, Dory/Dy Park, and Vernon Forest Park; the transcript does not capture the vote’s result. Staff noted that Vernon Forest Park was already involved in an approved RFP process with a group proposing to revamp it. The parks analysis estimated $278,000 in annual operating savings from divestment, which could be reinvested in larger parks. Commissioners also raised the need to consider Al Williams Park’s time capsule and whether future park designs should include more amenities.

The committee discussed the proposed FY2027 budget, including updates totaling about $190,870 to be covered by reducing the general-fund contingency, and recommended advancing the budget for full commission consideration; the vote outcome is not clear in the transcript. Proposed changes included higher contract rates for outside conflict attorneys, funding adjustments for public defender and solicitor positions, and restoring $12,000 for the tax assessor’s office. Adding transit routes 5, 6, and 7 would cost an estimated $385,160 and is not included in the proposal; commissioners could consider funding it from contingency. Members also discussed the ongoing zoning-code rewrite and short-term rental regulation, but no policy decision or procurement action on that matter was recorded.