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Pastor asks Augusta to reconsider streetlight fee after lot consolidation
Summary
Pastor Henry Parks of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church asked the commission to reduce a $1,180 streetlight bill he said resulted from a 2025 fee change, saying the amount represents roughly half of the church's food program budget and asking officials to consider church size and consolidation of lots.
Pastor Henry Parks asked the commission to reduce or exempt his church from a streetlight fee he called "excessive" after lots were consolidated for tax purposes.
Parks said a 2025 ordinance that imposed a $295-per-lot charge to cover a $700,000 streetlight deficit had left his small congregation facing a $1,180 bill even though their property now shows just two lots. "That $1,180, it represents 50% of the food budget that we use to feed the communities," Parks said, urging commissioners to consider smaller churches and their community services when applying the fee. He said he had spoken with the tax commissioner but was told the tax commission lacked authority to reduce the fee for 2027.
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Gilfill thanked Parks for coming and asked the administrator and finance to verify the consolidated lots and explore options, noting that the county should treat commercial properties consistently and ensure reductions when appropriate.
