Augusta, GA

Mayor’s vote now takes effect in Augusta commission

Published

1 year ago

July 1, 2024

Mayor’s vote now takes effect in Augusta commission

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – In May, voters decided to to change the charter by voting yes to giving the mayor a vote on the Augusta commission.

Monday is the first day the vote takes effect.

In May’s election, 74% of voters said yes to the referendum question, compared to 26% who said no.

Up until the election, the mayor was only able to vote to break a tie. But frustrated with political maneuvers that avoided a tie and kept him from voting, Mayor Garnett Johnson proposed a change giving him a full vote.

How did we get to this point?

The charter was created when Richmond County and the city of Augusta became one government nearly three decades ago.

Think of it as the game rules for the Augusta government — game rules are very different than any other consolidated government in the state of Georgia.

Politics is like tennis.

It’s your play when the ball is in your court. But Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government rules of the game are like no other in Georgia.

Players can skip a match to delay the game.

In January 2023, Commissioner Bobby Williams chose not to vote.

Voting no would have given an even split, giving the mayor the tie-breaking vote. A yes vote would have approved the contract but since he abstained, he stopped dead in the water.

In 2023, a standstill over naming an ambulance provider last year.

In 2024, there was a standstill over naming a city administrator.

“We went through the process of hiring an administrator through the process that’s in the charter, and we followed it to a T,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom.

The charter: A legal playbook of power born from a marriage between city and county 27 years ago.

In a May commission meeting, Commissioner Bobby Williams said: “You had basically five white districts and five Black districts, and to get the sixth vote, someone had to work across the aisle.”

Augusta-Richmond County is one of eight consolidated governments in Georgia — one of the four with a mayor.

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The balance of power varies.

The mayors of Athens-Clark and Macon-Bibb have veto powers over the commission.

Mayors of Augusta-Richmond and Columbus-Muscogee have limited power, but Columbus has a county manager responsible for the hiring, firing and management of department heads.

That power falls on our commissioners, meaning each department head answers to ten bosses.

Meaning commissioners only answer to commissioners.

For more than two years, an interim administrator has led the city. For more than two years, an interim director has led Central Services in her absence.

The longer time goes by, the longer the line of dominoes.

In the beginning of May, another resignation — the city attorney.

Four of the city’s top leadership positions are now empty, left to commissioners to fill.

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government presented information to commissioners about changing the role of administrator to county manager in the charter.

A year later, there’s been no movement by commissioners.

Now, there’s a new idea and a new game rule.

“This allows the voters of Richmond County to decide what’s best for their government, not the Commission,” said Mayor Johnson.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Fire Department toy pickup brings holiday joy to families

Published

11 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Augusta Fire Department toy pickup brings holiday joy to families

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department’s toy pickup event brought smiles to children and parents as dozens of families in need collected new gifts to put under the tree.

The toys were donated by local businesses, nonprofits and families of Augusta Fire Department members. For organizers, the event represents more than just gift distribution.

“It’s been supremely joyous for everyone. I haven’t seen anyone who hasn’t had a completely wide smile on their face when they come through,” said Lerone Beasley, deputy chief of technical services. “Everyone has just been overwhelmed and happy about this opportunity.”

The fire department said the event celebrates unity, compassion and the true meaning of giving.

This is the second year that Augusta Fire has hosted the toy pickup event.

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Augusta, GA

Salvation Army calls on public to fill $50K gap in final push

Published

23 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Salvation Army calls on public to fill K gap in final push

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – With just two days left, the Salvation Army of Augusta’s 2025 Red Kettle Campaign is still $50,000 short of its goal.

The organization is calling on the community to come forward and fill that gap.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing critical funding that sustains programs and services throughout the year.

Every donation made — whether at a physical Red Kettle or online — stays local, directly supporting neighbors in need across the Augusta area.

Funds raised through the campaign support essential services at the Center of Hope emergency overnight shelter, where approximately 200 meals are served daily through the soup kitchen.

In the past four years, caseworkers at the Center of Hope have helped more than 400 individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing.

In addition, The Salvation Army’s rent and utility assistance program has helped over 900 residents in the past year alone keep their lights on and remain housed — preventing homelessness before it begins.

“As we enter these final days, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity we’ve already seen, and we know this community will rise to the occasion once again,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Salvation Army area commander. “These last two days are critical. Every gift — large or small — directly impacts families who rely on The Salvation Army not just during the holidays, but all year long.”

Community members can still give in person at Red Kettles located at participating stores throughout the Augusta area. For those who prefer to give digitally, each kettle features a QR code for easy, cashless donations. Online gifts can also be made at any time through the Virtual Red Kettle at donateaugusta.org.

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Augusta, GA

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

by: Bebee S. Ledger

Posted: Dec 21, 2025 / 06:59 PM EST

Updated: Dec 21, 2025 / 06:59 PM EST

Augusta, Ga (WJBF)– The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.

According to RCSO, Hudson was last seen on the 3500 Block of Peach Orchard Road at 5:00pm this evening wearing a red shirt and black shorts.

Hudson suffers from Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

Anyone that comes in contact with Nia Hudson or has any information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact any on call investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1085 or 706-821-1020.

Nia Hudson: 27 years old, 216 pounds, 5’06”

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