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

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.