[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6484121,"mediaKeyId","5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5","parentId",5448182,"title","North Augusta reports utility-billing schedule fixes; Brick Pond testing shows no illicit discharge; overnight outage planned","audioSeconds",680,"startMs",2105000,"endMs",2785000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5&start=2105&end=2785","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5/thumbnail_2105000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6484121/North-Augusta/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/North-Augusta-reports-utility-billing-schedule-fixes-Brick-Pond-testing-shows-no-illicit-discharge-overnight-outage-planned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484121-06b988103f1af41d3720df472cb45dc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183209&Signature=CTyADJBuGsQjUsNIJdxAssi~0KRXsCxAoXTBMTakHgXsJ2zqr0R2NnI9SO~h99N8nFs52MVmXPSWHJzySiOqshGjWeWt6-DtKfvVSqmj46-tKk4vslLyWxLtpy-qBVxP8UfsA-ZMjoNqKuC0u5f7UefxoSCLoFtaf2soCTbc2t0FkOrtvUWLw9IGrq7Nq1ZhQmZU5kHNP9d2fCQiKAUwSVeMvZxi~Hu1ntjuRaa9O94XsujsiYH62DCV6e6cq3LyAM3y8-nRKftjd~YHVgI8Gl~MJ-Y97l2GGzyviTtLJYp6CN2AV4xm51mVW1GgAlysisStqhXmO5aoFOzx1w3QKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of North Augusta Public Information, SC","date","2025-07-22T06:31:30.933Z","article","North Augusta — City staff on July 21 provided updates on utility-billing mailings and customer-service responsiveness, water-quality testing at Brick Pond Park, and a planned overnight water-service interruption for valve replacement.

On billing, staff reported the June 25 bills were mailed July 11 and are due Aug. 1; July 10 bills were delayed but were to be mailed the day after the meeting with an Aug. 11 due date; the July 25 bills are expected to be mailed July 29 with an approximate due date of Aug. 22. Staff said response times to voicemail and calls have returned to under 24 hours and that they plan to operate on the normal monthly billing cycle in August. Staff also said they are not prepared yet to reinstate service cutoffs and will \"fully burn in\" the billing process for at least 30 days before reconsidering cutoff policies.

On Brick Pond Park, staff reported water samples and field tests collected July 15 show dissolved oxygen readings ranging from about 1.23 to 4.01 mg/L and temperatures between 84°F and 88°F. Staff said the dissolved oxygen levels, while lower than optimum, are not unusual for a constructed wetland and that the ponds were not designed to rear largemouth bass; staff said those bass would have been artificially introduced. E. coli testing conducted by the city's water treatment laboratory returned levels \"well below\" the safe level for natural public swimming areas as described in the meeting. Additional nutrient tests (nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia) were sent to a private lab; results are expected in several weeks. Staff also said waterfalls and an aerator have been repaired and that a scheduled herbicide treatment has been delayed to allow stabilization.

Water service interruption: Staff announced a planned interruption to replace a leaking service valve in the Haynes Ferry, Riverside Village and Woodcock subdivisions, beginning at 11 p.m. the night after the meeting through approximately 5 a.m. the following morning. The outage area map and notices were posted on the city's Facebook page and staff said they were contacting homeowners associations and affected businesses.

Why it matters: Restoring regular billing cycles affects thousands of customers; Brick Pond testing addresses resident concerns about fish die-offs and possible sewage contamination; the planned outage is a targeted, short-term disruption for infrastructure repair.

What’s next: Staff will continue to monitor billing performance, report back if cutoffs are reinstated, publish the lab nutrient results for Brick Pond when available, and coordinate the valve-replacement work with neighborhood stakeholders.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of North Augusta Council Meeting 07/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff briefed council on steps to restore normal utility-billing cycles, reported water-quality sampling at Brick Pond Park found E. coli levels below the standard tested and no evidence of a sewer overflow, and announced a planned overnight water service interruption for valve replacement in several neighborhoods.","taxTitle","North Augusta, Aiken County, South Carolina","taxId",56877,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484125,"North Augusta to reinstate volunteer animal-transport program after liability review; council hears criticism over sick puppies",336,2354000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5&start=2354&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5/thumbnail_2354000.jpg","/articles/6484125/North-Augusta/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/North-Augusta-to-reinstate-volunteer-animal-transport-program-after-liability-review-council-hears-criticism-over-sick-puppies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484125-5be27f617cd018a88b06ce2dcf692970/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183209&Signature=Al7I9NqYmZU0pA05uj9nFIc6Ks7zLzTWhqCkSZiFdLU9FpqWN-GrP3B15D0U~-f0sF8iwoGT30Z6MLrbdL92ZSQennhE-2OpYj47XV7MgHBW4wLcED~XZ1P9TsZAa2C29LvlScbqJWDUFHfHkkBef4wytDwc2-7pr8g7vhlsImqle5dMsKEJbrOK1Fno7Ell0QAfF7cQVkSeST49eaMRI93a6x4oXZngP5gcfDxHdH6TQXmkM5~DDOBPtg7O3-rFGEd8iXPmvoVQhp2z9FyHTHwV12uMPM8ai4c6vBK0xGPADyN8I53FHZ~-4Ss-dYloLSI0yB3CMrYcwDYF1DiEBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","North Augusta — City staff and the city attorney told the City Council on July 21 that North Augusta will reinstate a volunteer program allowing vetted volunteers to transport animals from the municipal shelter after updating liability waivers, a policy change the administration expects to finalize within days.

City Attorney Kelly Zier said the city’s insurance coverage applies and that staff had \"determined that we're still within the policy,\" adding that updated waivers will broaden liability protections for volunteers. Zier cautioned that claims could affect insurance rates but said the city is not currently without coverage for off-site transports.

Assistant City Administrator Jim Clifford said the new waiver form should be ready by Friday and that volunteers who sign it would be eligible to participate with the approval of the animal control officer. Clifford also said the city will alter intake housing through Friday, Aug. 1, while staff conduct an assessment after a veterinarian’s review of sick puppies. During that time the city will continue to accept dogs but may arrange housing assistance with Hinton County Animal Control or private veterinarians if needed.

Background and council reaction: The announcement followed several emotional council remarks and public concern after four puppies became ill and died after entering the shelter. Council members and speakers at the meeting expressed frustration about communication and operational choices made during the incident; one speaker said the decision to suspend off-site transfers was made without adequate communication to rescuers and council. Mayor Britton Williams acknowledged the community’s concern and said \"we now can cover ourselves, which means volunteers can do it,\" while also saying council members and staff felt for those who lost animals.

Shelter context and operations: Staff earlier in the meeting had praised the shelter’s increased save rate, with city remarks noting a reported save rate around 97% over the last three years under recent management. Clifford said a veterinarian’s assessment prompted temporary changes to intake and housing to reduce disease risk while testing and evaluations continue. He said the city will coordinate with Hinton County Animal Control and private veterinarians as needed.

What’s next: City Attorney Zier and staff said the liability waiver will be updated immediately and the volunteer transport program can resume with signed waivers and approval by the animal control officer. Staff will continue daily operations while completing the short-term intake assessment through Aug. 1 and will report back to council if further changes are required.","City attorney and staff said liability coverage and an updated waiver will allow volunteers to transport animals from the shelter; the announcement came amid council and public concern after several sick puppies were rehoused and later died.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484131,"North Augusta approves engineering contracts for Georgia Avenue improvements, Crestview drainage study",94,1767000,1861000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5&start=1767&end=1861","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448182-8321933ba30853e002d460e0387503d5/thumbnail_1767000.jpg","/articles/6484131/North-Augusta/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/North-Augusta-approves-engineering-contracts-for-Georgia-Avenue-improvements-Crestview-drainage-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484131-d94f787c0aa24510417474dda70f21e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183209&Signature=fIHVcLNCdh9wAGwbrbwVKq5nNpqgopzYr5zqJDjgli-DeM0YuUTKbkMZsyjCw7qU1x1V6~ntE6HTkTCvOtXZUgtjdO88W-ltdC54dbNDA1lTn26LTVzYTNsx1vx7K3Lo60eEQ-QfjkszyA~gdu-4EAEkl1aH1G0QRXy2dblbV9OlqI1VR7j-L3SJpvdGus4sre~0IXBi4xMIKSnm4wPaZlEwFYu1kv33YuMk45Rj2Of9vSXOenPUooQtd6Lg1N8brVFwySGc0V5V8Qkuwq9QkB4HQy3UfsmrzsZkVUxiYmblEVQFQs6qV3BOEj82Dpsc1IDUp1ck9IfTPQrppApBdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","North Augusta — The City Council on July 21 authorized two professional services contracts that move the city into the design phase for separate infrastructure projects: Georgia Avenue traffic-calming Phase 1 and preliminary engineering for Crestview/Woodland drainage improvements.

Assistant City Administrator J.D. McCauley told council the Georgia Avenue contract covers survey and design only — \"dirt earth will not be moving\" — and is intended to produce plans and public engagement before any construction. McCauley estimated the design phase could take about six months and said consultants are working to complete design and construction timelines ahead of a Georgia Avenue bridge project scheduled to start in 2028.

The council approved the Georgia Avenue resolution (Resolution No. 2025-24) by a 6–1 vote. The Crestview/Woodland drainage resolution (Resolution No. 2025-25), which authorizes preliminary engineering to develop remediation schematics, passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the Georgia Avenue work is being scoped as a corridor — McCauley said survey and design will cover the stretch from City Hall up to Jackson Street while capturing adjacent intersections so future projects use consistent survey data. The contractor will host public engagement including a project website and a public information workshop. McCauley said the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and other parties will be involved in the Georgia Avenue work.

On the Crestview/Woodland drainage item, staff said the work responds to a longstanding stormwater need that previously appeared on capital project lists and voter-referenced sales-tax projects. The resolution funds preliminary design from the utility fund; staff said full remediation will require subsequent funding decisions after schematic design identifies scope and cost.

Council discussion and next steps: Councilmembers asked how far the survey and design would extend and whether phase 2 elements (for example, intersections on Forest Avenue) would be included in this contract; McCauley said the team would take a \"holistic view\" of the corridor so future projects would not rely on different survey data. He reiterated this phase does not authorize construction and that conceptual elements (such as a roundabout) remain subject to later review. McCauley also confirmed the timeline emphasizes completing design and public outreach well before the 2028 bridge project begins.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2025-24 (Georgia Avenue traffic improvements) — motion moved by Miss Freitas; tally reported as 6 yes, 1 no; outcome: approved. Resolution 2025-25 (Crestview/Woodland drainage preliminary engineering) — motion moved by David Buck, seconded by Pat Carpenter; tally reported as unanimous (yes:7); outcome: approved.

Public engagement and funding: McCauley said the Georgia Avenue consultant will provide a public information workshop and other communications. For the drainage project, staff emphasized that the engineering contract is an initial step and that a funding strategy will be developed once schematics and cost estimates are available.

The council did not authorize construction for either item; both actions fund professional services to complete surveys, designs and public outreach needed to scope future work.","The North Augusta City Council voted July 21 to authorize professional engineering contracts to begin design and survey work for Georgia Avenue traffic-calming Phase 1 and preliminary engineering for Crestview/Woodland drainage improvements; the Georgia Avenue vote was 6–1 and the drainage vote was unanimous.","actionData","errors"]

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North Augusta reports utility-billing schedule fixes; Brick Pond testing shows no illicit discharge; overnight outage planned

North Augusta to reinstate volunteer animal-transport program after liability review; council hears criticism over sick puppies

North Augusta approves engineering contracts for Georgia Avenue improvements, Crestview drainage study