AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The City of Augusta is confronting a budget crisis nearly twice as severe as initially projected, with officials revealing today that the shortfall has ballooned from $11 million to $21 million heading into the new year.

City leaders had previously disclosed the $11 million deficit, but additional financial pressures have significantly worsened the situation. The expanded shortfall stems from multiple sources that have compounded the city’s fiscal challenges.

The end of American Rescue Plan funding represents a $7 million hit to the general fund, eliminating a crucial revenue source the city had been relying on.

Officials say the additional strain comes from higher-than-expected employee healthcare costs and money owed to the federal government.

The most s

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