Special Called/Augusta Committee Meeting

Augusta, Georgia special called and committee meeting, September 29, 2026. Procurement and capital-project matters included approval of the Augusta Regional Airport’s selection and contract award to Mass Media Marketing LTD for airport marketing services under RFQ 26-172. The commission also unanimously approved an amendment to the parking agreement with the Development Authority of Richmond County and an intergovernmental agreement with the Downtown Development Authority for redevelopment of the depot site. A workers’ compensation settlement for claim 2018-0333 was approved for $262,476.88; the transcript indicates the funds would be reimbursed by the excess carrier. In Engineering Services, staff described the Wood Lake sewer and water project as supported by a $2 million DCA/Georgia grant and approximately $900,000 in capital funding, with Bluewater Engineering to provide on-call wetland and stream-bank permitting services. Sidewalk plans for Diamond Lakes were complete and awaiting permits before bidding; speed-hump timing remained to be provided. No repair budget or reopening date was established for the closed Henry Brigham pool.

The administrator presented a proposed FY2027 budget of approximately $1.26 billion, received as information rather than adopted. The proposal includes a recommended 2-mill increase to the county millage rate, which the administrator said would still result in a net mill-rate decrease because of the new FLOST reduction; proposed increases also included 0.2 mills for the fire tax, 0.7 mills for the Urban Services District, and a 6.5% water and sewer rate increase. Finance considered a proposed $80.9 million SPLOST 9 bond project list, including $19.1 million for a juvenile court facility, $10 million for Riverwalk/Boathouse reconstruction, and $10 million for South Augusta sewer expansion; the transcript does not capture a final vote on that item. The hookah ordinance was forwarded to the full commission without recommendation, with staff asked to return with options on licensing fees, separation distances, and other requirements. The meeting also discussed a proposed tobacco/vape-shop ordinance and distance restrictions near schools, which could affect future business licensing and land use.