Augusta, GA
Tax increase causes pushback on Augusta’s proposed 2026 budget
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) – The Augusta City Administrator kicked off the budget season by saying the house is on fire, and city leaders could feel the burn.
“I wouldn’t say we’re burning up but we’re seeing signs of smoke, certainly the alarm bells have sounded. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and go to work,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson.
The administrator has started working, proposing a budget that eliminates a $21 million dollar shortfall by implementing across the board spending cuts and a 31 percent property tax increase.
This would come on the heels of new streetlight and garbage fees hitting taxpayers this year.
“Getting socked two years in a row, would that be fair?”
“No, it would not be. They need to hold off a couple years, at least give us a break. Give us a chance,” said Patrick Ford who was paying this year’s taxes at the Municipal Building.
The tax increase would bring in $16 million dollars and is a major part of eliminating the shortfall, but there is pushback.
“I don’t want to raise those taxes. We had a streetlight increase, we had a garbage increase and the last thing I want to do is for the constituents to feel the crunch,” said Commissioner Tony Lewis.
“I’m not going to support any tax increase,” said Mayor Johnson.
So that could result in deeper spending cuts and could cost jobs.
“If you do cuts, you lay off people.”
“You’re laying off people,” said Lewis.
“Do you want to do that?”
“You’re affecting folks livelihood, George. I don’t want to do that either,” said Lewis.
“I don’t want to see layoffs, but I do believe we need to create a more efficient government,” said the mayor.
Under state law, the commission must approve a balanced budget. The proposed one is balanced, but it doesn’t look to stay that way.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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