More streetlights in Augusta will mean higher fees

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) – This isn’t uncommon in Augusta, a street the place residents don’t see the lights.  

“It’s fully darkish out right here at evening,” stated Patricia Lowe.

“Would you prefer to see some streetlights?”

“I actually would for my mom and different aged individuals,” stated Lowe.  

Commissioners are budgeting $6 million in Rescue Act funds for brand spanking new streetlights, but in addition to fill within the shortfall in this system, as a result of the present methodology of paying for lights doesn’t cowl the prices. 

 Metropolis leaders say extra lights are wanted. 

“We undoubtedly want them, and I’ve been combating to get streetlights in an space in District 3 for 2 streets for properly over a 12 months,” stated Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.  

Finance officers inform commissioners, in the event that they wish to use all $6 million in Rescue Act cash for brand spanking new lights, and never the shortfall, then new charges are wanted. 

The proposal would enhance each residential and business charges. 

However for the primary time these not paying for lights now would get a $50 greenback charge.  

“It’s funds advice to go forward and alter the speed construction earlier than later, that eliminates utilizing a few of our allocation that may be funding your deficit and you can put that again into increasing the system,” stated Finance Director Donna Williams.  

That might imply individuals with out lights can be paying new charges this 12 months however would possible not be getting new lights. 

“We obtained aged individuals who dwell on this street, and they’re all on fastened incomes and we actually can’t afford $50 {dollars} a 12 months,” stated Lowe.  

Some commissioners are additionally not in favor of accelerating charges this 12 months. 

“Let’s get the lights up and do what we’ve got to do, after which we will work from there with charges,” stated Commissioner McKnight.  

There are federal {dollars} to place in new streetlights however that’s coming with the next gentle invoice.