Augusta City Hall news
Augusta city government news, newest first: city council votes, the mayor, the budget and new ordinances, each story linked to the agenda or minutes.
Top story
Richmond County early votes pass 23,500 with 5 days left
23,553 people voted early in person in Richmond County through Saturday, and 1,573 mail ballots are back. Where and when to vote before Friday's cutoff.
Who to call and how to vote
Trash
Trash and recycling pickup in Augusta: schedule, holidays, bulk
Augusta collects trash, yard waste and bulk items weekly on one day; carts out by 6 a.m. Recycling is now a sign-up service from Coastal: 706-790-4117.
Early voting
Voting in Richmond County: registration, polls, early voting
Early voting for the Nov. 3 election runs Oct. 13-30 at four Augusta sites, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Absentee request deadline: Oct. 23. Elections: 706-821-2340.
Augusta Commission
Who to call at City Hall in Augusta
Augusta 311: dial 3-1-1 or 706-821-2300. Mayor Garnett Johnson: 706-821-1831. Commissioners by district, utilities, sheriff, animal services and more.
Latest stories
Fire
Augusta firefighters get $305K for cancer screenings
A $305,405 federal grant will pay for cancer screenings and yearly mental health check-ins for Augusta firefighters. What the money covers and how it splits.
Zoning
Augusta zoning draft limits where short-term rentals can go
Augusta's draft zoning code allows short-term rentals only downtown, on farmland and in 2 mixed-use districts, with a permit. What it means for Masters week renters.
Zoning
Augusta zoning rewrite: what the new draft changes
Augusta's first full zoning rewrite since 1963: new districts, backyard cottages and short-term rental limits. The survey closes Nov. 1; the Augusta Commission votes last.
Schools
Augusta's Nov. 3 ballot: school board races and 3 amendments
Five Richmond County school board seats are on Augusta's Nov. 3 ballot, one twice. Every candidate, the 3 amendments and the races set by your address.
City hall
Augusta's proposed 2027 budget would raise water rates 6.5%
Augusta's $1.26 billion 2027 budget plan raises water and sewer rates 6.5% and trades a 2-mill tax increase for the new FLOST. The commission votes Nov. 17.