Commission approves short-term mosquito control funding: $61,969 operational, $48,000 capital

The Augusta City Commission approved a short-term request to expand mosquito-control operations after hearing from public-health officials about a large increase in mosquito counts following Hurricane Helene.

Deputy Jackson introduced the budget justification and said staff had met with public-health leaders to develop a short-term, focused plan to limit an expected population surge this spring. Dr. Donahue told the commission that trapping and count data showed a 25-fold increase in mosquitoes after the storm and warned that eggs laid in fall conditions could reemerge in April, producing another surge.

The request presented to the commission split the ask into two parts: an operational, seasonal cost of $61,969 to pay for one spray technician, one larviciding technician, maintenance and fuel; and capital outlay of $48,000 for a vehicle and a sprayer. Staff recommended covering operating costs from general-fund contingency and capital equipment from the capital outlay fund. The commission moved, seconded and voted unanimously to approve both portions, with staff noting the operating funding was for seasonal positions only and the capital purchase would be added to fleet/capital procurement processes.

Commissioners asked whether alternative internal funds existed for the request and were told environmental services funds were lean; staff said general-fund contingency was the recommended source. Commissioners also discussed timing and emphasized the request was intended as a surgical, short-term measure to address an anticipated early reemergence of mosquito eggs.

Implementation and next steps Staff will use contingency funding to hire seasonal technicians and purchase the vehicle and sprayer through capital outlay processes. Follow-up actions include vendor procurement for the truck and sprayer and a short-term staffing plan to be monitored by the administration and public-health partners.