Augusta‑Richmond County commissioners approved a package of reductions to nongovernmental organization funding at their Dec. 2 budget session, a move that split the body 6–5 and set a timetable for a new application process for 2027 funding.

The motion, moved by Commissioner Don Clark and seconded by Commissioner Brandon Garrett, directed staff to cancel discretionary grants and line‑items identified on the spreadsheet and return with final savings tallies. Staff estimated the immediate elimination of many discretionary lines would save roughly $998,270; the commission also retained its earlier plan of a 10% reduction to certain otherwise‑mandated partner allocations.

The vote followed repeated testimony from Department of Public Health leadership, who argued the health district is not an NGO but a governmental entity required by state code. Denise Sellers, district administrator, and Dr. Lee Donahue, health director, told the commission the county’s contribution funds services (family planning, immunizations, chronic‑disease clinics, vital records and mosquito control) that are not fully replaceable by other funding sources. They said a 10% reduction was manageable but a 50% reduction could force site closures and layoffs (South Augusta was named as particularly at risk).

Commission discussion centered on two tradeoffs: (1) preserve community partners and raise revenue (a millage increase), or (2) avoid new taxes and make deeper cuts to county operations and partners. Commissioners who voted to retain certain quasi‑governmental partners — such as the land bank, the development authority and the CSRA Regional Commission — argued those entities perform government‑adjacent functions that the county still needs to support. Others argued that many nonprofit services overlap and should be subject to a coordinated, competitive application process before being funded by taxpayers.

Staff were directed to build an application process beginning in January 2026, which would let organizations apply for 2027 funds in a competitive, criteria‑driven review. Until that process is in place, funding for many discretionary partners will be suspended or eliminated per the adopted motion.

Selected quote:
"We are not a nongovernmental organization. We are an extension of Augusta‑Richmond County Commission and the state of Georgia," Denise Sellers said, asking the commission to consider statutory obligations and the direct impact of cuts on clinic access.

Ending: The commission’s action reallocated nearly $1.0M in proposed NGO support and set a January timeline to design a competitive application for subsequent funding. Commissioners asked staff to return with a final list of discontinued partners and an updated budget for the next meeting.