[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-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],{"_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",6287117,"mediaKeyId","2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b","parentId",2555151,"title","Richmond County health officials ask Augusta leaders for $290,000 boost to mosquito program, seek truck purchase","audioSeconds",1290,"startMs",9869000,"endMs",11159000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b&start=9869&end=11159","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b/thumbnail_9869000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6287117/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Richmond-County-health-officials-ask-Augusta-leaders-for-290000-boost-to-mosquito-program-seek-truck-purchase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6287117-373032ae382c5e331f03a1c303111aab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155971&Signature=mfvWnHR4NxdBt0C7FQZlZN1ECNLhHoO8jacfNvgbrqipKEYrgIEt42s2sb36bOjmEbrtPdSU~Rs2fTXUmOsNaqSeXUwcMfiDNqjAR1ygVcdXeGi--bPQCqEZt4xYbJImnxBkRJAaAwTNTThPKb767AsJNWIz1UsBVfEntN88WvFA~ktwdDKJPOUc~~1uwL0FlcMbLZyyY7JmAfvotHJuqNEN0c3s~z2DUlPUhti7~pzaAjnrlswy0lt1-yG1NYVAzsVQjsRVUwV~H2-oNMc9tuhwjuB9w4mXjzVh~xBoCEHH3f8A0cXvFH-LD4iAdo4yzM2ljjATxMLMPUIqot9WjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-11T21:34:26Z","article","Lee A. Donahue, district health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s East Central Health District, asked the Public Services Committee on March 11 for additional funding to expand Richmond County’s mosquito control program after a large post‑storm increase in mosquito numbers.

Donahue told commissioners the county-run program has been operating at “max capacity for over 10 years” and that Hurricane Helene produced a “massive bloom” of mosquitoes last year that overwhelmed the existing fleet and workforce. She said the health district is requesting roughly $290,000 in additional one‑time and recurring funds, including about $48,000 to purchase a new sprayer truck to reduce long wait times for property sprays.

The request would increase the mosquito program’s annual budget from about $440,000 to roughly $730,000, Donahue said. The additional funds she outlined include two seasonal spray technicians, part‑time inspectors, a chief pond inspector for larvicide programs, routine maintenance, and a one‑time truck purchase. “This is a free service to citizens of Richmond County,” Donahue told the committee, and she said residents experienced long waits for on‑site spraying after last year’s storm.

Why it matters: County officials and public‑health staff said failing to address mosquito populations raises risks to public health and to wildlife. Donahue noted that mosquito surveillance and targeted larvicide treatment — not just fogging — are important tools to reduce disease vectors and protect birds and people.

Commissioner questions and staff response: Commissioners asked about grants, neighboring counties’ approaches and long‑term funding. Donahue said few grants are available for municipal mosquito control and described Richmond County as one of only two Georgia municipalities with a public‑health‑run program (the other cited was Chatham County/Savannah). City staff said the mosquito program has historically been funded through a mix of sources, including portions of the waste hauler contract and stormwater funds, and that the administrator would explore internal reallocation and possible SPLOST funding options.

Action requested and committee direction: Commissioners did not vote to immediately add the $290,000 to the budget. Instead, Commissioner Alvin Mason moved and a colleague seconded a motion directing the city administrator to meet with Donahue and her staff, review funding options (including any vehicle procurement alternatives), and return to the committee with a proposal. The committee voted unanimously to forward that task to the administrator.

What's next: The administrator said she would work with Public Health to produce a written proposal and cost options for the committee to consider at the next meeting. Donahue said spring mosquito activity was imminent and urged timely consideration.

Ending: Donahue and mosquito control staff thanked commissioners for their time and emphasized the program’s recent surge in citizen requests through 311 after the storm. The administrator said she would meet with Donahue and report back to the committee with funding options and potential procurement paths.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special Called Meeting/Augusta Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Lee A. Donahue, district health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s East Central Health District, asked the Public Services Committee on March 11 for roughly $290,000 in additional funding to expand Richmond County’s mosquito control program after a large post‑storm surge in mosquitoes.","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},6287112,"Augusta commissioners debate moratorium on apartment construction outside downtown; committee receives item as information",1961,13489000,15450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b&start=13489&end=15450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b/thumbnail_13489000.jpg","/articles/6287112/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Augusta-commissioners-debate-moratorium-on-apartment-construction-outside-downtown-committee-receives-item-as-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6287112-ea87a999d1aa5d20f2d00f4488d2e1ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155971&Signature=CCFIFib5ih8KW8cwA0ysrWlmLhS0V1~~xSNIK7Ys~PlRfodCjmfWmfqxOc~zC0an9vxG6UDupLX-v1dEj35wFP-TsevFwrS~ROjyGWSmLVxiLTIs9NvhwNog-4z3W1gHKAQq3DSb6-JQHURlqPx6YYuIVgkHBOLzEbCDsBwK23127X3W2oppjzt7jIFEwmYgDyh1WD2Na~jcu1DgOdWohUN-T~Z-~Be4QX5IizHRHLCqGjvr~X~9Yca93fU9eo1suul-A2nQg7F6deUqiJLBwhq~NGWuH3NRo3dIM0Z-LVOhyKFXslDKNP63eNvjokRNETr~Azy1QHB4yL0VBM0kjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Augusta‑Richmond County commission’s Public Services Committee discussed a proposed temporary moratorium on new apartment construction outside the downtown business district during a lengthy March 11 meeting, but the committee ultimately voted to receive the item as information and directed staff to continue monitoring development patterns.

Council and staff background: Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle introduced the item, which had been under review by planning staff for more than a year. Director of Planning and Development Carla Delaney told commissioners the county has seen growing multifamily applications that extend into peripheral areas; staff has been tracking how multifamily growth can interact with infrastructure, school capacity and the preservation of single‑family neighborhoods. She said that multifamily near downtown remains appropriate but that multifamily proposals farther out can “encroach” on areas intended to retain suburban or rural character.

Main points of debate: Commissioners were divided. Supporters of restraint argued rapid, scattered apartment development strains roads, schools and utilities and can displace single‑family homes. Commissioner Guilfoyle and others suggested a time‑limited moratorium (three to six months) would allow staff to draft stronger rules and infrastructure‑based policies to guide where multifamily is appropriate.

Opponents urged caution. Commissioner Jordan Johnson, Commissioner Pulliam and others warned that restricting apartment construction risks worsening the county’s housing shortage, removes housing options for renters and younger workers, and could defer rather than solve planning and infrastructure problems. Several commissioners urged the county to pursue a coordinated plan that encourages mixed housing types alongside targeted infrastructure investments and developer engagement.

Action and outcome: Rather than adopt a moratorium then and there, the committee voted to receive the item as information and directed planning staff to continue analysis. Commissioners requested further work to identify transportation and infrastructure capacities, to quantify single‑family versus multifamily building rates, and to explore incentives that could encourage more single‑family construction while preserving housing choice.

Why it matters: Commissioners and planning staff framed the issue as a conflict between short‑term housing market forces and long‑term land‑use planning. Several speakers highlighted regional competitors that are building more single‑family rooftops and warned Richmond County risks being outpaced for single‑family housing supply. Others emphasized that apartments supply workforce and starter housing and can anchor commercial investment.

What’s next: Staff said it would provide more data — including recent permitting and certificate‑of‑occupancy counts, transportation capacity information, and options for code changes — and commissioners asked for a workshop to evaluate targeted policy responses rather than an immediate ban. The item will return to committee as staff refines recommendations.

Ending: The committee’s decision to receive the discussion as information kept all policy options on the table while asking staff for additional analysis and recommendations for a holistic approach to housing, infrastructure and land use in Richmond County.

","Augusta commissioners debated a proposed temporary moratorium on apartment construction outside the downtown business district, citing concerns about infrastructure and loss of single‑family neighborhoods, but the committee ultimately received the matter as information and asked staff for more analysis.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6287108,"Votes at a glance: March 11 Augusta commission and committee actions — settlements, funding supplements and approvals",0,13360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b&start=13360&end=13360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2555151-a058f589bbe85181486cbaac6176ec0b/thumbnail_13360000.jpg","/articles/6287108/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-March-11-Augusta-commission-and-committee-actions-settlements-funding-supplements-and-approvals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6287108-83e986467cf3a0b030e427e018225386/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155971&Signature=WYGcoHTGcGBaFnnznak9lgnZ10nqnK1Zwu8ftqYhVJnBgDpQhZBuH2~W2F~wmAjFL0VJj6wg~CjzeH79LJApYmPH5CTYZtm-SoS8VzSe2ysfriDu6RofcjDD79aUE8HtZv-iyAWtA8R3lI2f2nxO2JLKa46gqfGreEiJvbIRcw0wUfIZp5y9ZkuYsOjU~VU9depn~~JIzu2z1371fNYFkTT-2AfzdwnO5N0i5~jQmfCv5KfsXE1ZPUsPgD1OAN7sixDhW~HZG9CdXGIhHCnhPZqu5P6B666ofImGqmctHbP2MWuwAgOj2wO1LIC1hgKqNYL-J6pFxvZFuT8~7ousIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Here are the formal actions taken on March 11 by the Augusta‑Richmond County Commission and its standing committees, summarized for reference.

Executive‑session settlements

- Jasmine Roberts settlement: Commission authorized settlement of “all claims of Jasmine Roberts” for $40,000 related to an automobile accident on 01/01/2024. Attorney requested the motion after executive session; the commission voted and recorded the result as unanimous.

- Teresa Hatch settlement: Commission authorized settlement of “all claims of Teresa Hatch” for $20,000 arising from an automobile accident dated 08/08/2023. The motion was approved and recorded as unanimous.

Public Services Committee and Planning approvals

- Charter Review Committee dates amended: The commission modified the charter review resolution to establish the committee’s term as April 2025 through March 31, 2026 (12 months, not to exceed) and to adjust the deadline for the committee’s final recommendations accordingly. The change was approved unanimously in committee and will be reflected in the resolution.

- Alcohol license applications: The committee approved multiple alcohol‑license items on consent with background checks and sheriff’s office recommendations documented. Existing locations with new ownership and a new on‑premises consumption license were among the items the committee approved; objections raised by residents were heard and addressed. Votes on these routine license matters were recorded as unanimous in committee.

Engineering Services Committee (storm response and debris contracts)

- Hurricane debris removal supplement: The committee approved Supplement No. 4, authorizing up to $15,000,000 in additional funds for hurricane and debris removal services to (as recorded) Serious Environmental Services, Inc., with use of general fund balance until FEMA reimbursement is processed. The committee recorded the motion as carried (unanimous with one commissioner absent).

- Debris removal monitoring supplement: The committee also approved Supplement No. 5 for debris removal monitoring services with Goodwin Mills and Caywood, Inc. for up to $3,728,000; the committee vote carried and staff said reimbursement requests are being processed through FEMA/GEMA.

Administrative and other committee actions

- Extension of Augusta University internship MOU: The Engineering/Utilities committee approved an extension of a memorandum of understanding with Augusta University for internships focused on environmental and smart‑city sensors and programs; funding to come from utility funds. Vote carried unanimously with an absent commissioner recorded.

- Vacant lot program fee update: The committee discussed a proposed change to the vacant‑lot fee structure (increase to better reflect current contract costs). Committee members asked legal and administrative staff for additional ordinance review and analysis; the committee deferred final action pending that follow‑up.

- Probate court technology fee resolution: The Administrative Services Committee approved a resolution asking the local delegation to introduce local legislation authorizing a $10 technology fee for civil filings with the probate court; the committee recorded a favorable vote to forward the resolution to the legislature for a local act.

Other notes

- A request from the Augusta Fire Department to use Elite Diesel of Augusta as a sole‑source vendor for repairs on an aerial truck was approved by the public safety committee; commissioners discussed fleet maintenance and shop capacity during the item.

- Taxi meter and rate review: Staff and industry representatives presented recommended changes to taxi meter rates, minimum fares and master rates; staff was asked to coordinate with legal and return the proposed ordinance changes to the full commission.

Documentation and provenance: The items above are tied to motions and roll calls recorded in committee minutes during the March 11 meeting; many items were unanimous or carried with one or more commissioners absent. Where the meeting recorded only a unanimous outcome and no roll‑call names, the summary notes the recorded outcome without inventing individual vote names.

Ending: Committee chairs asked staff to return with detailed proposals and cost estimates where appropriate (notably debris reimbursement timing, vacant‑lot billing and mosquito control funding). Several items will appear on the full commission agenda for formal ordinance changes or appropriations.

","This roundup lists formal actions taken during the March 11 meeting and committee sessions, including executive‑session settlements, committee votes on hurricane debris contracts, and approvals of alcohol licenses and a probate court technology fee resolution.","actionData","errors"]

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Richmond County health officials ask Augusta leaders for $290,000 boost to mosquito program, seek truck purchase

Augusta commissioners debate moratorium on apartment construction outside downtown; committee receives item as information

Votes at a glance: March 11 Augusta commission and committee actions — settlements, funding supplements and approvals