Multiple commissioners at the budget session urged the Augusta City Commission to require stronger oversight, performance metrics and contract reviews for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and city contracts as staff presented potential reductions.

Administrator Allen said the recommended 2026 budget includes a 30% reduction for discretionary agencies and a 10% reduction for certain nondiscretionary authorities, producing roughly $874,000 in general fund savings. She noted one NGO (the senior citizen council) had closed and been removed from allocations; commissioners later said the council had received federal funds and expected to resume operations.

Commissioner Stacy Pulliam and Commissioner Jordan Johnson argued that cutting NGO funding without a robust review of community impact would be premature. Pulliam urged a ‘‘deep dive’’ and suggested NGOs submit application-style materials and key performance indicators (KPIs). "If our NGOs had to fill out an application and actually show what is going on within the year and who they've impacted ... that could be a great help," Pulliam said.

Commissioner Don Clark noted a weakness in follow-through: many contracts and KPI requirements exist on paper but are not monitored. "If we don't have the capacity ... to go through and measure their effectiveness ... then we have a problem," Clark said. Procurement staff confirmed they had received finance's list of outside agencies but had not completed a full review.

Administrator Allen and staff said multi‑year contracts that could be terminated with notice total about $221,000; staff recommended legal review and renegotiation where possible. Commissioners also asked legal staff to research any charter or preexisting obligations — for example, local support to the Department of Public Health, which Allen said is included in the city charter though the charter does not specify funding levels.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to return with a prioritized, documented review of NGO contracts, performance metrics, and options for renegotiation or termination so the commission can weigh community impact against fiscal needs.