[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6393036,"mediaKeyId","2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33","parentId",2108535,"title","Commission hears complaints about proliferation of storm- and post-storm advertising signs; county plans additional sweeps","audioSeconds",89,"startMs",6114000,"endMs",6203000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33&start=6114&end=6203","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33/thumbnail_6114000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6393036/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Commission-hears-complaints-about-proliferation-of-storm-and-post-storm-advertising-signs-county-plans-additional-sweeps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6393036-66982f45797072afbcb7da7fdab3c696/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172789&Signature=RaczvLfwimgpq5nCpdBD7OIN4Ay9QuiDwDa5rpUKIbHl-YZO3xNxWy3aHLHJgaUL2qbT0TR6RVsLVE3a2jS6E4J0z6dP1WZsDManf5K2-n9oeKJwQ8VEw~7vNrCENRY2eWwuD3o0neCElI~DUtIp3WNPbsSxhQmOY8jDlRbDrA-vm0nH-WNuYdFjNriKjygyF9tSCAYhwThkO2qIhhukMY7f65So-bCvJFJQY5ILFK4fuuPgUz4kF5GaYS5jA39BUODz5zKYcShK4wVsy-CxFFNRgN0x7u3rUkivtdcWwvXiTtwUGiPSbEFyfhEfbESBL3ZzJ7O64m3GoUSPlWlpZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-13T23:21:30.593Z","article","Augusta-Richmond County commissioners heard complaints about the proliferation of temporary advertising signs — roofing, tree services and political placards — following a recent hurricane. Planning and code-enforcement staff told commissioners they conducted a sweep over a recent holiday period and removed more than 400 signs countywide, and that two to three additional sweeps are planned when weather allows.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the signs are attached to utility poles, trees and right-of-way areas and create visual blight, possible right-of-way obstructions and unsafe conditions. Staff noted some signs are inexpensive and proprietors often do not retrieve them after placement.

What staff will do: Code enforcement and the marshal’s office will continue coordinated sweeps; staff encouraged residents to report fallen or leaning regulatory signs and to provide locations of advertising signs needing removal. The county said it will prioritize signs in right-of-way locations and intersections and will repeat sweeps over the coming months.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinated removal efforts and to notify commissioners of reporting procedures so constituents can report problem signs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special Called Meeting/Augusta Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners received reports that advertising signs and contractor placards remain widely posted after the hurricane and election; county staff said they have removed more than 400 signs in an initial sweep and plan further removal efforts when weather permits.","taxTitle","Augusta City, Richmond County, Georgia","taxId",3794,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6393040,"Resident urges action on storm-drain maintenance at Laurel Park; officials plan follow-up",548,6192000,6740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33&start=6192&end=6740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33/thumbnail_6192000.jpg","/articles/6393040/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Resident-urges-action-on-storm-drain-maintenance-at-Laurel-Park-officials-plan-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6393040-45ace22fe1d784326097fb9fa06aac9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172789&Signature=G0mcnIAOrOD5MHgvR2LgWpbjNIA-MDDNyxI0Po6pmDWx~t81dO28BQ-ee1uhPlzPgbDitQFDo80nfJteHhIGBVWiKfpKsFHwiyWMVz8CHg-ynsR6N6zcZAQtEiAHBVgLSc5GQ8r6A9gKaOpidQGJadCkPF4eubuUIZtypvJBfEkU1-AWz~OUjleHcUKvmAzGadH0cTGgO2SfZsRrmAG~s~IQ9h9nuX12BfdP-L5JxH4KpfZXj7BYxiAYnaf89s8oSPWAfd0hyRohQUps7WUwFZDSrH1GPXx56GpCpvKAuuE7doltt1Cd-ljgqmvUvDuGFMfyoR0ZNMa5bTs~E9Qa1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Laurel Park homeowner told commissioners the subdivision’s storm drains and easement maintenance were not being handled, leaving drainage and safety problems for residents. Director Hamid Malik (Engineering) and code-enforcement staff said the development is private, that easements in the civil plan are deeded to the homeowner association and that the developer remains responsible for unfinished work in undeveloped phases. County staff said they have reached out to the developer and will meet with the homeowner and code enforcement to clarify responsibilities.

Why it matters: The resident, Shavonne Burton, said unmaintained storm-drain ditches behind homes raise flood and fire-safety concerns. Engineering staff confirmed the back lots remain undeveloped in the phase and that the HOA or developer must maintain the ditch where the property is private; where easements are dedicated to the county the county has inspection responsibilities.

What the county will do: Planning, engineering and code-enforcement staff agreed to meet with Burton and the developer, review the subdivision’s recorded civil plans and determine whether the easements were properly dedicated or remain HOA responsibility. Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice and administrator’s staff requested that the administrator’s office also participate and that staff provide a follow-up report to the commission.

Ending: Burton and officials agreed to a site meeting; staff said they will return to the commission with findings and next steps.","A Laurel Park homeowner raised safety concerns about undeveloped easements and blocked storm drains. Engineering, planning and code enforcement will meet with the resident and developer, and staff will report back to the commission.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6393042,"Advocates call for review of CSRA Probation; commission refers contract to jail oversight committee",1377,14463000,15840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33&start=14463&end=15840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33/thumbnail_14463000.jpg","/articles/6393042/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Advocates-call-for-review-of-CSRA-Probation-commission-refers-contract-to-jail-oversight-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6393042-b74df175ad735692e6080501db5e37b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172789&Signature=MtYbKobQBpxFUQEHxo6yRuFaSD725pMb99bIThw~H8iYYVxkfk70dyYJ81mketGwIQ16P1yDsjTGkn8ZFeP8F8QxBlg6FkOC2ntoVmpXQMbuBky2OXAOeyyHvEba9RRMM9uWQWds1HAxJiDwu1yZXD9Nv4YdwsZQ67l-SGwo1ikamLhu15MO7VIvpsYZ8Nnc6Z8jtZ3BMysDEcDItxYIdzls6pzGDuXuOt5dAsLtcyb84lP6UWgevRcan7BMxDpC-nLCYk~CloY3uvK6DmwUJb7andcR7t4BDlet0eQJXBdhzxF1~ZrFLpqzk2LoDneVdB92BgZ1JAaVcV1DeJ4o3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers at the Administrative Services Committee urged immediate review of CSRA Probation Services after a report from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute criticized private, for-profit misdemeanor probation practices and their impacts on low-income residents. The commission referred the county’s contract with CSRA Probation Services to the jail/population oversight committee for further review and requested a prompt written and oral report.

What triggered action: Lawrence Brennan and other advocates read findings from a December 2024 report that analyzed local probation rates, fee structures and case closures from 2019–2022. The report — and speakers representing affected community members — said Augusta’s pay-only probation rates were among the state’s highest while case closure rates were low, and argued the contract warrants administrative and legal review.

CSRA response: Representatives from CSRA Probation Services told commissioners the company inherited a large backlog of delinquent cases when it assumed local probation duties and said numbers from 2019–2020 are inflated by a large transfer of cases into their system; they asked that evaluations focus on 2021 forward, when caseloads normalized. CSRA officials also said courts, not private vendors, make revocation decisions and that re-incarcerations most often follow additional offenses or failures to complete required conditions beyond fee payment.

Commission action: Following testimony, the commission voted to refer the matter to the jail/population oversight committee for a review of CSRA’s practices and the county contract; commissioners asked for a report back within approximately 30 days so the full governing body can consider any recommended changes.

Ending: The Clerk’s Office will schedule the committee review and collect CSRA-related contract documents, quarterly case statistics and correspondence with the courts for committee members to examine.","Citizens and a state policy report prompted calls to review the county's contract with CSRA Probation Services. Commissioners referred the contract and company practices to the jail/population oversight committee for review and asked for a report back roughly within 30 days.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6393044,"Commission schedules public hearings after debate over floating homestead exemption",1369,12421000,13790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33&start=12421&end=13790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33/thumbnail_12421000.jpg","/articles/6393044/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Commission-schedules-public-hearings-after-debate-over-floating-homestead-exemption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6393044-6bff30cb1e99994a49899a039203e647/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172789&Signature=ZUIh5R601DcVHg9Bn71cDMj-Y307ZvdndqeCBYMTwbcZ7TVhdET-BB001Yva1~uCF8mhqvobc1KW5JaTrhtACMC3-5aXT6JFNTxtSViJJWwyexaxJgcTBmXKw9IB0vjNPe6~xJxUFoyMmd9F8hjMr2LnBmA~NW6svudYNNwkkmLd9J2bcYrIC2GaAlQ4NMUzVo0YYkCmZRPZjj4CZrAYJYj2LHmddh3a3utzrxAZRBCMdRuPDoyxHS~lI2SxIrZtP2jE8J8LAlgqxtEuO3Twsta~tUxj3JAza5lQj7qCMbmTu2yJf9tdyBXi9OyJYMQXO6JTQc3FeLVKpEagiPjr~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Augusta-Richmond County commissioners spent significant time discussing the recently approved constitutional amendment commonly referenced as the floating homestead exemption (House Bill 581). Former Mayor Bob Young and a representative of the Augusta Metro Chamber urged different courses of action; the commission directed staff to schedule public hearings and return to the body with a recommendation before the March 1 statutory opt-out deadline.

Why it matters: Voters in Richmond County approved a ballot measure on Nov. 5 that authorized a statewide homestead exemption but explicitly allowed counties, consolidated governments, municipalities and local school systems to opt out after completing procedures outlined in the amendment. Commissioners said they needed more public input to understand local effects, and administrators agreed to schedule multiple public hearings to collect stakeholder testimony.

What speakers said: Former Mayor Robert (Bob) Young urged the commission not to opt out and described the ballot result — which he said carried with 62% of Richmond County voters — as an expression by 48,615 residents who supported the exemption. Young warned against treating that vote as nullification and said the measure would limit assessment-driven increases in homeowners’ tax bills.

Sue Parr, speaking on behalf of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, urged the commission to hold public hearings before deciding whether to opt out. Parr said business representatives are concerned a floating homestead exemption would cause commercial and multifamily property owners to shoulder higher property-tax burdens. She highlighted the importance of hearing from a wide range of stakeholders — homeowners, renters, businesses and housing advocates — before making a decision with long-term fiscal consequences.

Administration response and next steps: County administration told commissioners it would schedule public hearings and consult the tax assessor and finance staff. Administrators said the goal is to provide the governing body with sufficient time to hear the community and make a decision by the commission’s final February meeting or call a special meeting if necessary given the March 1 statutory deadline for opting out.

Ending: Commissioners received the presentations as information and asked staff to post hearing dates and background materials. The commission did not take a formal policy vote at the session; the matter will return after public hearings.","The commission discussed House Bill 581 (floating homestead exemption) at length, heard contrasting views from former Mayor Bob Young and the Augusta Metro Chamber, and directed administration to schedule public hearings and return with recommendations before the March 1 opt-out deadline.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":102,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":105,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6393045,"Commission approves settlement payments, alcohol licenses and funding; schedules follow-ups",899,13320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108535-840a74fa82c6c943301fd0a7577e4c33&start=12421&end=13320","/articles/6393045/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-settlement-payments-alcohol-licenses-and-funding-schedules-follow-ups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6393045-66c3123fbca398cd0d1e133f895dd997/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172789&Signature=Z6OhGZqQjo1BlHbDHwlzmi5LWhUcNdh5jm8FNExcLGgoQkFcc8FrF7jAzIhT6VDvEUIQLs9tjJdb7ShBhx21HdVO4XeVNjEgqSzSqTVbwW4qxxo14DYrpLJ25ifOvwRsRtvclm-57~CGMF8lCBFI2r3ZMGrDydFkhyhqXtASdQSReRIbi6kzWkmKYTo2gyr5JLzxaa53tlcfAoOpbW6bQxnF1oqg3gmIw-08Vs8Tbhkk4hfMcgQnEVuW5fge2AYXr4Rr4XX6wpu9w6O6TMgf7-LPWyQPL7en9247qUoPRuTlDZjY9KMwWByJmh8O4ZC0d9TL~qAfW7fOyGLvDVC4cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Augusta-Richmond County commissioners voted on a package of administrative items and legal settlements during a special-call meeting and related committee sessions, approving several contract settlements, multiple retail alcohol-license transfers, one housing grant for a single-family unit and a mandated PTSD benefit for first responders.

The actions covered routine permitting, legal settlements authorized after an executive session, and departmental funding requests. Commissioners also directed staff to pursue follow-ups on the county’s contract with CSRA Probation Services and asked the law and administration offices to compile information about employees serving on local boards and authorities.

Settlements and legal actions: After executive session the commission authorized settlements on four personnel or civil claims: a workers’ compensation claim by Elijah Battle in the amount of $71,000 (motion by Commissioner Francine Scott; second by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam), a civil claim for Brandon Jones for $2,500 (motion by Commissioner Mason; second by Commissioner Don Clark), a claim by Jamaris Walker for $50,000 (motion by Commissioner Don Clark; second by Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice), and a claim by Natron Adams for $200,000 (motion by Commissioner Francine Scott; second by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam). Each motion was approved by the governing body as recorded on the meeting record.

Alcohol licenses: The commission’s public-services committee approved a series of existing-location liquor and retail-package transfers recommended by Planning and Development and the Sheriff’s Office. Items approved on the record included:
- Alcohol license 2502: Classics 56 Pub LLC (John Miller), 4020 Mike Padgett Highway — consumption on premises, liquor/beer/wine (motion: Commissioner Tony Lewis; second: Commissioner Francine Scott) — unanimous on roll call of committee members present.
- Alcohol license 2503: Jam Crew LLC/Ready Player 1 (Joseph Tinkersley), 7875 Broad Street — consumption on premises, liquor/beer/wine — approved.
- Alcohol license 2505: Sri Lakshmi Narayan Supermarket Inc./Green Street Supermarket (Karthikalati), 2 Green Street — retail package, beer/wine — approved.
- Alcohol license 2507: Unity Investments Inc./Pick N Move (Ruth Vick Kasturi), 3082 Dansbridge Road — retail package, beer/wine — approved.
- Alcohol license 2508: Lucky Gordon LLC/Lucky 7 (Niotti Rowe), 1857 Gordon Highway — retail package, beer/wine — approved.
- Alcohol license 2509: 619 Boundary LLC/Boundary Market (Sharice Roy), 619 E. Boundary Street — retail package, beer/wine — approved.
- Alcohol license 2510: Akshar Blessings to LLC/Express Mart 2 (Sachin Kumar Barot), 4212 Windsor Spring Road — retail package, beer/wine — approved.

Housing and program approvals: The commission approved a request from the Housing and Community Development Department to provide HOME program funding in partnership with Mackie Hayes Enterprise to continue development in the Turpin Hill area and support construction of one single-family unit to be sold to a low-income homebuyer. Department staff described the funding structure as a 50% contribution to total development cost with partial recapture on sale to recycle funds for future projects.

First-responder PTSD benefit: The Administrative Services Committee approved carrying the state-required Georgia First Responders PTSD program (HB 451). Human Resources staff explained Augusta-Richmond County must hold confidential benefit coverage for verified PTSD diagnoses among qualifying first responders; the committee approved implementation and directed HR to administer the program.

Referrals and follow-ups: Commissioners directed an immediate administrative review of the county’s contract with CSRA Probation Services and sent the matter to the jail/population oversight committee for fuller review and a report back within roughly 30 days. Separately, the law department and administrator’s office were tasked to compile and return to the commission, within the committee cycle, a list of boards and authorities, their statutory or charter requirements, membership rosters and whether any members are salaried county employees — to inform possible future ordinance or resolution drafting.

Votes at a glance (summary): The meeting record shows motions carried for all items noted above; several approvals were recorded as unanimous among members present. Specific mover/second attributions are recorded on the public minutes and are summarized above.

Ending: Staff will return with follow-up reports — including a jail-population committee review of probation practices, a list of boards/authority memberships and a written summary of the housing funding arrangement — and the Clerk’s Office will post the finalized motions and vote tallies to the official minutes.","At committee sessions and a special-call meeting the Augusta-Richmond County Commission approved multiple settlements, several alcohol-license transfers, funding for one affordable single-family home and a first-responder PTSD benefit, and directed follow-ups on probation and boards composition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears complaints about proliferation of storm- and post-storm advertising signs; county plans additional sweeps

Resident urges action on storm-drain maintenance at Laurel Park; officials plan follow-up

Advocates call for review of CSRA Probation; commission refers contract to jail oversight committee

Commission schedules public hearings after debate over floating homestead exemption

Commission approves settlement payments, alcohol licenses and funding; schedules follow-ups