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.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
Hawaii14 seconds agoA Deep Dive into Hawai‘i’s Shell Jewelry Industry – Hawaii Business Magazine
-
Idaho6 minutes ago
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 19, 2026
-
Illinois12 minutes agoMultiple people shot in Centralia, Illinois: REPORT
-
Indiana18 minutes agoIndiana mother charged with neglect after baby’s co-sleeping death
-
Iowa24 minutes agoFormer Iowa State star, All-American Audi Crooks announces transfer destination
-
Kansas30 minutes agoTyler Reddick needs OT at Kansas to claim fifth win of NASCAR season
-
Kentucky36 minutes agoVanderbilt baseball’s series win vs Kentucky revelatory
-
Louisiana42 minutes agoLouisiana shooter Shamar Elkins made chilling remarks about ‘demons’ weeks before killing his 7 kids and their cousin