Augusta commission, tax office back to work as city government offices reopen

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Commissioners are back to work on regular city government issues, even as Augusta works to recover from Helene.

“We got to work we got to make sure the government works, and we need to set an example,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.

Taxes are needed to make government work, and with the city offices open again, dozens turning out to pay their property taxes at the Municipal Building.

Taxpayers said they just wanted to cross this off their lengthy to do lists.

“Couldn’t wait. I needed to get it done, so here I am and I’m happy to do it,” said Robert Johnson.

Today was the deadline to pay your taxes and get a one percent discount off the bill, but with the offices closed since the storm, the Tax Commissioner said taxpayers should have the deadline extended to next Tuesday.

“I think they do deserve an extra week none of the citizens could help that they couldn’t get here to pay their taxes and they city couldn’t help that we weren’t open to receive them,” said Richmond County Tax Commissioner Chris Johnson.

Commissioners meeting upstairs from the tax office quickly moving to  support extending the deadline to next week.

“Absolutely if it helps anybody out absolutely if it saves them some money sure thing,” said Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle.

October is when the administrator makes the annual presentation for next year’s city budget.

But with a new administrator on board and a city working to recover from the storm, commissioners voted to delay the presentation by two weeks.

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