Community center, Helene and parking get Augusta leaders’ attention

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Commission members met Tuesday, hearing from the public and looking at a variety of issues.

West Augusta community center

A member of the public asked commissioners for confirmation about whether the proposed west Augusta community center is an approved SPLOST 9 project and sought clarification on its designation, prioritization, site location, scope, and projected timeline for implementation.

She asked whether the promised $10 million is protected for that project.

She said west Augusta is one of the city’s fastest-growing areas but still lacks a community center, arguing it is essential infrastructure that would improve health, provide safe recreation, and offer programs for youth and seniors.

Parks and Recreation Director Tameka Williams confirmed the project is included in SPLOST 9 under a broader $21.7 million category for new facilities and facility revitalization, with $10 million intended for the new center.

The speaker expressed concern that because the referendum grouped several parks projects together, the money could eventually be redirected elsewhere.

Commissioner Don Clark assured her the funding is designated for a new community center

Interim City Attorney Plunkett explained that while the referendum language is broad, the materials presented to voters specifically identified $10 million for a West Augusta Community Center, making the commission accountable to that commitment.

Williams noted the project is approved, but key details — including a site, land acquisition, construction timeline, and where it falls in SPLOST priorities—have not yet been determined.

Helene cost update

Commissioners approved a change order to extend some Hurricane Helene work to Dec. 31. Tetra Tech reported the city has submitted an estimated $83.6 million in eligible storm costs.

Of that, $75.9 million has now been approved by FEMA, a 36% increase — roughly $20 million more than when the company last updated commissioners in February.

The company said the remaining work involves navigating FEMA’s extensive documentation, auditing, and compliance requirements as Augusta continues drawing down the approved funds.

During questions, Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle asked whether FEMA could help cover the millions of dollars in storm damage to trees and canal embankments along the canal.

Tetra Tech said it is working with Augusta Utilities, FEMA, and state officials to determine what portions of that project qualify for reimbursement, but no final determination has been made because of the project’s complexity.

Parking approval

Commissioners approved a motion to approve for city staff to initiate procurement of a parking management firm for the downtown area and for the law department to draft related updates to the Code of Ordinances regarding parking.

Leaders approved moving forward with the next steps toward a downtown parking management system, including starting the procurement process for a private parking management company and drafting updates to Augusta’s parking ordinances.

Commissioner Jordan Johnson questioned whether the city had fully weighed the costs and benefits of outsourcing parking management versus running it in-house.

Engineering Director Dr. Malik said he now recommends hiring a private contractor to handle the entire operation—from equipment to enforcement—with the city receiving a guaranteed revenue amount under the contract. He said that approach would require little to no upfront cost for Augusta because the contractor would absorb implementation expenses.

Malik said the amount of revenue the city receives will depend largely on the hourly parking rate. He previously recommended $1.50 an hour but now believes a minimum of $2.50 would better reflect rising costs. He pointed to cities like Atlanta and Savannah, where parking programs generate millions of dollars annually.

Johnson also asked about the timeline. Malik said staff is currently drafting the request for proposals, with a draft expected before a July stakeholder meeting. The procurement process is still in its early stages, so no implementation schedule has been established, including whether paid parking would coincide with the ongoing Broad Street improvement project.

Johnson requested a list of businesses and organizations participating in stakeholder meetings, saying he wants to ensure the group represents the full downtown community. Malik said participants include the Downtown Development Authority, Augusta Tomorrow, Destination Augusta, economic development officials, restaurants, and downtown business owners.

Commissioners also discussed the ordinance changes that would be needed if paid parking moves forward. The law department said revisions would likely cover parking fees, time limits, violations, and enforcement procedures, using ordinances from cities like Athens, Atlanta, and Savannah as models while updating a draft ordinance

Johnson also asked about potential enforcement costs, including impacts on the courts or sheriff’s office, and said the city should understand those expenses before committing to a system.

He also questioned whether enough public feedback has been gathered, noting Augusta’s previous attempts at paid parking — including parking meters and a downtown parking deck — were unsuccessful

Malik said initial feedback has come primarily through the Downtown Development Authority and conversations with Broad Street businesses, but broader public input will continue as the process moves forward.