AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta's administrator is looking for input as she prepares to sit down with department directors about the 2026 budget that faces a massive shortfall.

“We knew this three years ago when we had money being spent on raises for one-time money, ARP money. That was foolish to do back then. Now, we have to figure out the smart way of having to overcome it,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle. This year’s budget was balanced using $7 million dollars in Rescue Act funds, but for the 2026 budget, those funds are gone. City Administrator Tameka Allen told commissioners there are options like across-the-board cuts, ending money going to outside agencies, like the library, or raising taxes. “None of the options, to me, were good options. I think we're going to have to go back

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