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

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.