AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta city leaders hit the brakes on hitting taxpayers with another increase on their tax bills, after already approving increases to streetlight and trash fees.“We got a lot of work ahead of us and right now is not the time to be raising any more taxes. We don’t need to raise people’s property taxes,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice. Commissioners voted to roll back property tax rates for this year, even with the city facing a nearly $11 million dollar shortfall.
Commissioners voted to take funds out of reserves to offset the deficit – a solution. However, it’s one even those voting for it acknowledge is not the best solution.“Is the climate with the streetlights fees not to do taxes?”
“Yes, it is, it is, but if we do that and go into reserves, what’s going to happen? What if we have something happen and what do we do from there,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.While the vote takes care of this year, city leaders are going into the next years’ budget season still facing a nearly $8 million shortfall, and some city leaders say without the tax hike, they’re facing some tough cuts.“I don’t want to see any employment cuts, don’t want to see any employment cuts. Perhaps some of those positions that haven’t been filled, let’s do away with those,” said Commissioner Tony Lewis.City leaders still have to give final approval of the tax rate, that comes in early September then work on next year’s budget and where to make cuts will be underway…