#AugustaCityRichmondCounty
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
A proposed tiny-home community aimed at helping low-income families has hit a snag as city officials postpone the project for 30 days to address critical infrastructure and compliance issues.

Get the details!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CommunityDevelopment #AugustaTinyHomes
Tiny‑home village petition postponed so applicant can address comp‑plan and infrastructure concerns
The commission postponed Z‑25‑44 and its companion special‑exception (SC‑25‑14) for 30 days to allow the applicant to clarify sewer/septic feasibility, comply with tiny‑home ordinance provisions, and provide health‑department input.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 7:48 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
A homeowner's emotional plea at Augusta's Historic Preservation Commission reveals the shocking fallout of contractor fraud in the fight to preserve his historic property.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #ContractorAccountability #CitizenPortal #AugustaCityHistoricPreservation
Homeowner seeks relief after contractor fraud in historic roof renovation
Homeowner addresses commission over troubles from contractor’s lack of permit and fraud.
citizenportal.ai
April 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
The Historic Preservation Commission in Augusta City just took a significant step toward restoring the charm of a heritage home by approving the renovation of its critically damaged wood windows.

Learn more here!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #SustainableRenovation #HeritageConservation
Commission approves restoration of wood windows in heritage home
Commission unanimously accepts proposal for restoring heavily damaged wood windows.
citizenportal.ai
April 28, 2025 at 6:56 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Sheriff Blanchard reveals that rising inmate medical bills are driving his $6.88 million budget request, but can the Augusta Commission find a way to close the $21 million shortfall without sacrificing essential services?

Read the full story

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal
Augusta commissioners debate sheriff’s $6.9 million request as budget gap looms
Commissioners questioned a proposal to increase the law-enforcement budget by about $6.88 million to close part of a roughly $21 million shortfall, while the sheriff warned most of the increases stem from inmate medical costs, contracted services and staffing. No final vote on a millage increase was adopted.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:37 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Redwood Inc. touts millions in renovations for the Bon Air and Richmond Summit properties, but residents are raising alarms over lingering heating issues and pest problems.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #HousingReform #CommunitySafety #TenantRightsschutz
Developer says Bon Air, Richmond Summit renovations complete; neighbors report remaining issues
Redwood Inc. reported multimillion‑dollar renovations — new kitchens, windows, centralized HVAC, elevators and security systems — at Bon Air and Richmond Summit apartments; neighbors and a tenant advocate countered that some units still lack heating/air and raised rodent/pest and permitting concerns, prompting the commission to ask law and planning to report back by Jan. 20.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 3:32 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
A groundbreaking decision in Augusta City blends modern design with historic preservation, setting a new standard for the Somerville Historic District.

Learn more here!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #ArchitecturalIntegrity #AugustaCityHistoricDistrict #CitizenPortal #HistoricPreservation
Somerville Council approves Johnny Scarborough's historic district addition proposal
Council approves modern addition design while preserving historic integrity of the structure.
citizenportal.ai
March 29, 2025 at 9:08 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission is grappling with blighted properties and the pressing need for stronger code enforcement to protect the city's historic charm.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #PropertyEnforcement
Planning Director Caterton updates on blighted properties in historic district
Ashley Caterton reveals code enforcement conditions for several blighted properties on Broad Street.
citizenportal.ai
July 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
The Augusta Charter Review Committee is redefining democracy by debating how many votes are truly needed to reflect the community's voice in crucial charter changes.

Learn more here

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CommunityRepresentation #GovernanceReform #CitizenPortal #AugustaCharter
Augusta commission clarifies voting rules and quorum requirements for charter recommendations
Commission establishes 6 votes for recommendations and addresses quorum for charter changes.
citizenportal.ai
April 26, 2025 at 7:41 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta is contemplating a major overhaul of its vegetation and grounds maintenance, proposing three restructuring options and a hefty $800,000 budget to boost service delivery!

Learn more here

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #UrbanGreening #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovement
Augusta staff outline three options and $800,000 startup for vegetation and grounds maintenance
Administration proposed three possible restructures for city vegetation and grounds (status‑quo plus pilots; a new standalone Vegetation & Grounds department; or a consolidated division under Central Services), backed by a proposed $800,000 2026 allocation (450K for contracts, 350K startup). Commissioners pressed for procurement RFIs, equipment and
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 3:35 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta is on the brink of revitalization, thanks to Senate Bill 141 that could extend crucial tax incentives for preserving our historic treasures!

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #AugustaHistoricPreservation #CommunityRevitalization #TaxIncentives
Augusta Council Considers Drafting Letter on Senate Bill 141 for Historic Preservation
Counselors discuss drafting a letter to the county commission on historic preservation incentives.
citizenportal.ai
July 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Bill Fanoi is shaking up local governance in Augusta by proposing November elections and advocating for party affiliations to boost voter engagement!

Learn more here

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #DiversityInGovernance #CitizenPortal #CivicReform #AugustaCity
Bill Fanoi Calls for November Elections and Diverse Advisory Team in Hephzibah
Fanoi urges adoption of party affiliations and increased voter turnout in local elections.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta's charter review is heating up as consultants propose mandatory ethics codes and the creation of an ethics board to ensure transparency in local governance.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #EthicsBoard #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #InternalAudit
Committee debates ethics board, internal audit and manager qualifications during charter review
Consultants and committee members discussed placing ethics requirements in the charter versus ordinance, creation and powers of an ethics board, limits on penalties, internal-audit language and whether manager qualifications should include ICMA credentialing; a motion to recommend an internal audit department was moved but its final tally was not (
citizenportal.ai
October 24, 2025 at 7:59 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
The Augusta-Richmond County Commission's controversial decision to eliminate discretionary funding for NGOs has sparked heated debates about the future of essential public health services.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #AugustaRichmondCounty
Commission splits over NGO funding after public health urges protection of local services
Commissioners clashed over cutting nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to close the FY2026 gap. Public Health officials said the health department is a governmental entity and warned deep cuts would threaten clinical services; the commission voted to eliminate discretionary NGO funding while preserving mandated entities at reduced levels.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 7:50 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
A passionate Augusta resident is raising alarm bells over proposed governance changes, insisting that a city of its size needs diverse representation rather than a concentrated power structure.

Get the details!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #GovernanceReform #AugustaCity
Augusta Resident Questions Redistricting Plans and City Leadership Effectiveness
Augusta citizen challenges proposed leadership structure and emphasizes community representation needs.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2025 at 9:51 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta Utilities is facing a financial crunch and is asking for a 6.5% rate hike to keep crucial projects on track amidst rising costs and staffing shortages.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #AugustaUtilities #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CostTransparency
Augusta Utilities asks commissioners to consider 6.5% rate increase, meter and tap‑fee hikes to cover rising costs and capital needs
Augusta Utilities presented its fiscal 2026 budget, citing rising operating and materials costs, unfinished capital repairs and a series of plant and canal projects. Director Wes Bynes asked the commission to consider a 6.5% rate increase for next year, proposed higher tap and after‑hours fees and outlined grants and loans (including an AMI meter‑r
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
As Augusta's downtown transformation unfolds, the pressing need for innovative parking solutions takes center stage—will local businesses and the community be heard?

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityCommunication #AugustaDowntown #BusinessSupport
New Augusta Arena Committee prioritizes parking solutions amid downtown construction concerns
Brad Usher emphasizes the need for increased parking spaces during Augusta Arena project updates.
citizenportal.ai
March 27, 2025 at 6:26 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta's Budget Retreat reveals a promising shift in public safety as the sheriff's department cuts open positions in half, paving the way for more deputies on the streets.

Learn more here!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #AugustaSheriff
County Sheriff adjusts budget with more deputies on the streets
Sheriff reallocates budget to increase staffing and avoid deficit despite open positions.
citizenportal.ai
June 17, 2025 at 2:57 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta's Charter Review Committee is setting the stage for a transformative governance overhaul, prioritizing modern communication and adapting to the city’s evolving demographics.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #EffectiveCommunication #AugustaCity
Augusta Council discusses modernization and community growth insights
Council members emphasize the need for forward-thinking strategies to address community growth.
citizenportal.ai
July 11, 2025 at 4:02 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
A historic fire station in Augusta is set to be transformed into a high-end restaurant, blending architectural preservation with a commitment to community inclusivity.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CulturalPreservation #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth
Commissioners Approve Renovation of Historic Fire Station for New Restaurant
Commissioners support the fire station project, focusing on preservation and community employment.
citizenportal.ai
July 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
In a groundbreaking meeting, Augusta's Charter Review Committee voted to streamline local governance by removing over 100 pages of redundant language from the city charter!

Learn more here

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #GovernanceReform #AugustaCity #LocalLawEvolution
Augusta Richmond Commission Deletes Duplication From City Charter
Commission votes to remove redundant language and update charter for local governance.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Urgent discussions are underway as Augusta City Commissioners push for $10 million in state funding to secure the future of the aging Richmond County Correctional Institution.

Learn more here!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #AugustaRichmondCounty #CivicAccountability
Commissioners seek state support for $10M new facility funding at RCCI
Commissioners vote to engage lawmakers for funding discussions on new RCCI facility.
citizenportal.ai
June 18, 2025 at 2:59 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Residents in Augusta are rallying to protect their neighborhood's character against a proposed high-density housing development that could change everything.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #AugustaNeighborhoods #CitizenPortal #CommunityIntegrity #UrbanDevelopment
Augusta residents oppose proposed high-density housing development near established neighborhoods
Local residents voice concerns over traffic, density, and infrastructure at Augusta zoning meeting.
citizenportal.ai
July 10, 2025 at 7:14 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
A local doctor's plan to relocate his practice in Augusta's historic Somerville neighborhood has ignited a fierce debate over preserving residential integrity versus enhancing accessibility.

Read the full story

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #AugustaSomerville
Doctor Adair Blackwood opposes rezoning request in Somerville residential neighborhood
Blackwood highlights community concerns over commercial zoning impact on residential integrity.
citizenportal.ai
June 3, 2025 at 9:25 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta commissioners are in a standoff over a $6.88 million sheriff's request and looming tax increases, leaving the FY2026 budget hanging in the balance.

Click to read more!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #BudgetTransparency #PublicSafety #AugustaRichmondCounty #CitizenPortal
Augusta commission deadlocks on budget after split over sheriff’s request and millage increase
Commissioners debated a $6.88 million sheriff request, proposed millage increases and impacts on courts and jail population. A motion to adopt the budget with a 1-mill increase failed; commissioners approved deeper NGO cuts but left the broader budget unresolved, reconvening Dec. 16.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 4:07 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Augusta's workforce is at a crossroads as officials tackle rising attrition rates by boosting recruitment efforts and enhancing leadership training.

Learn more here!

#AugustaCityRichmondCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #WorkforceRecruitment #AugustaRichmondCounty #EmployeeRetention #LeadershipTraining
Augusta HR outlines recruitment strategy and addresses staff attrition challenges
HR focuses on enhancing recruitment and leadership training to reduce employee turnover.
citizenportal.ai
June 17, 2025 at 2:58 PM