092925 Study Session Mins AdoptedPage 1 of 3
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember – Mayor Pro Tem
Dennis C. Briatico, Councilmember
David B. Buck, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
John M. Felak, Councilmember
Robert L. Freitas, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION
The Study Session of September 29, 2025 for the City Council of the City of North Augusta, having been duly
publicized, was called to order by Mayor Williams at 6:00pm and also streamed online for public viewing at the
City Facebook page: “City of North Augusta – Public Information” and City YouTube page: “City of North Augusta
Public Information.”
Per Section 30-4-80(e) notice of the meetings was sent out by email to the current maintained “Agenda Mailout”
list consisting of news media outlets and individuals or companies requesting notification. Notice of the
meetings was also posted on the outside doors of the Municipal Center, the main bulletin board of the Municipal
Center located on the first floor, and the City of North Augusta website.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Buck, Briatico, Carpenter, Felak, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Freitas.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator; Kelly F.
Zier, City Attorney; Thomas C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; Chief Junior Johnson, Public
Safety; James Sutton, Director of Public Services; Rick Meyer, Director of Parks & Recreation, Karl Waldhauer,
Manager of Tourism; Lynda Williamson, Director of Finance; Kayla Ferguson, Manager of Human Resources; and
Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology.
Page 2 of 3
ITEM 1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Administrator Clifford led Council’s discussion of items for the October 6, 2025 regular meeting. (See
Attachment #1)
Administrator Clifford provided an example of the difference between Neon and Halo lights for Item #6 -
Ordinance No. 2025-17 Amending Article 9, Signs, and Appendix A, Definitions, Related to Halo Illumination
of the North Augusta Development Code, Chapter 18 of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina Code of
Ordinances. (See Attachment #6 – P&D Additional Information)
Administrator Clifford stated that Item # 10 - Ordinance No. 2025-21 Designating a High Enforcement Tow-
Away Zone in Riverside Village will be moved to a future Council meeting agenda.
ITEM 2. DEPARTMENT DETAILS:
Administrator Clifford stated that the department details were provided for their information. (See
Attachment #2)
ITEM 3. MAYOR’S MATTERS:
(A) FOCUS ITEM(S):
i. Proposed FY 2026 Consolidated Budget – Council Review and Discussion
(item to be continued to Tuesday, September 30, 2025 (if needed))
Mayor Williams highlighted on a plan for the North Augusta Animal Shelter which included three (3) items:
1. Full-Time Animal Control Tech to include weekends and is not a PSO position (in the FY 2026 budget
recommendation).
2. Public Safety to meet with Tyler Galles, President of Friends of the North Augusta Animals, to decide
on three (3) priority improvements to the existing NA Animal Shelter.
3. Form a committee appointed by Council to focus on short-term and long-term fundraising for the
NA Animal Shelter.
Administrator Clifford, presented the proposed FY 2026 Consolidated Budget to Council. (See Attachment
#3Ai)
Mr. Clifford clarified that the FY 2026 budget is a balanced budget and noted that the items highlighted are
focused on General Fund drivers. He explained in detail the difference between the general, utilities,
stormwater, and sanitation funds; and how the funds can or cannot be spent. He noted the budget fund
drivers which include a 4% increase in PEBA and 2% COLA increase to all city employees; as well as vehicle
expenditures that include 11 Public Safety vehicles (see page 4 of Attachment #3Ai). He noted that the
budget presented would be a $2Mill increase.
Mr. Clifford pointed out that the final recommendation from staff is to amend the general fund budget to
increase COLA from 2% to 3% as the 11 Public Safety vehicles would decrease to 10 vehicles to offset the
COLA increase (see page 24 of Attachment #3Ai).
Council discussion ensued relative to DOE settlement funds allocations and the interest incurred, community
funds, wayfinding signs, concession funds, and peach jam.
Page 1 of 2
PUBLIC POWER HOUR
October 6, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. - Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
DRAFT AGENDA: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. – Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
The Public Power Hour and City Council meeting will be streamed for public viewing online at:
• “City of North Augusta – Public Information” on www.Facebook.com
• “City of North Augusta Public Information” on www.YouTube.com
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council on each item listed on this agenda. The Mayor will call
for comments prior to Council’s discussion. Speakers shall give their name and address in an audible tone of voice. Speaker
Forms are provided on the credenza at the entrance for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council
on a specific topic. The form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five
minutes.
CITIZEN ASSISTANCE: Individuals needing special assistance or sign interpreter to participate in the meeting, please notify the
Administration Department 48 hours prior to the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
• Regular City Council Meeting minutes of September 15, 2025
• Joint Meeting of City Council and Planning Commission minutes of September 22, 2025
• Study Session minutes of September 29, 2025
OLD BUSINESS
5. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2025-16 To Amend the Zoning Map of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina by Rezoning ± 0.40 Acres of Land Owned by HF Developers, LLC, Tax Parcel No.
007-13-01-014 from PD, Planned Development to DTMU2, Downtown Mixed Use 2 – Second Reading
NEW BUSINESS
6. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2025-17 Amending Article 9, Signs, and Appendix A,
Definitions, Related to Halo Illumination of the North Augusta Development Code, Chapter 18 of the City
of North Augusta, South Carolina Code of Ordinances – First Reading
7. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2025-18 Amending Table 5.1, Use Table, Related to Self-
Storage/Mini Warehouses of the North Augusta Development Code, Article 5 of Chapter 18 of the City
of North Augusta, South Carolina Code of Ordinances– First Reading
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 1 of 2
Page 2 of 2
8. FINANCE: Ordinance No. 2025-19 Amending the Business License Ordinance of the City of North Augusta
to Update the Class Schedule as Required by Act 176 of 2020 – First Reading
9. ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS: Ordinance No. 2025-20 Granting an Easement to Dominion Energy
South Carolina, Inc. for Placement of Facilities – First Reading
10. ADMINISTRATION: Ordinance No. 2025-21 Designating a High Enforcement Tow-Away Zone in Riverside
Village – First Reading
11. PUBLIC SAFETY: Resolution No. 2025-33 Authorizing the Disbursement of Opioid Settlement Funds to
the Aiken Center for the Establishment of a New Peer Support Specialist and a Licensed Addiction
Counselor Dedicated for North Augusta and Authorizing the City to Enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Aiken County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Regarding South Carolina
Opioid Settlement Funding
12. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT(S):
a. Update on Utility Billing System Transition
13. PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments: At this time, citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council regarding matters not
listed on the agenda. Speakers shall give their name and address for the records. Speaker Forms are
provided on the credenza for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council
on a specific topic. The form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments
are limited to five minutes.
B. Council Comments
14. ADJOURNMENT
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 2 of 2
Neon vs. Halo-Illuminated Signage
Halo signs are a form of internal sign illumination in
which neon tubing, LED, or similar lights are mounted
within the sign or individual letter to illuminate the
mounting surface (rear), causing a halo of light around
the sign or individual letter. Lighting is not allowed to
project toward the front of the sign and must not be
below 4,000 k or exceed 6,000 k.
Neon signs are illuminated displays made from
glass tubes filled with a specific gas, such as
neon or argon, that emits light when an electric
current passes through it.
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D Additional Information Page 1 of 1
FINANCE:
• Finance posted notices for 187 properties for delinquent taxes. After the postings, 62 properties
have paid.
• Utility update will be covered under the Focus Item.
HUMAN RESOURCES:
• Open enrollment for employees begins on October 1-31, 2025; visit https://www.peba.sc.gov/oe
for details.
• See the following page for the Employment Opportunities list.
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS:
• Hammond Hills Valley Gutters – Over the next two weeks, the Streets & Drains Department will
be installing concrete valley gutters at two intersections: Stanton & Brooks and Stanton &
Jackson. The purpose of this work is to improve drainage across the intersections. There will be
intermittent road closures for the duration of this work.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• There will be no BZA meeting on Tuesday, October 7 as advertised. The sole applicant withdrew
their request for a Special Exception.
PUBLIC SERVICES:
• Automated Meter Reading - Utility staff is scheduled to start the replacement of 1,743 manual
read meters with automated meters in Hammond Hills Subdivision and along primary roadways
the week of October 20, 2025. The ARPA funded project is scheduled to be completed by
December 31, 2026.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
• Public Safety is currently in week 4 of the Citizens Academy.
• Public Safety is hosting Trunk or Treat at Riverview Park on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 5pm-8pm.
• Public Safety along with the SC Criminal Justice Academy is hosting an Active Shooter training
class at North Augusta Middle School Monday and Tuesday.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
• Riverview Park Activities Center will be hosting the Augusta Kennel annual dog show this
weekend.
• Youth Sports programs paused for the 2-week school fall break.
• Ecology camp: October 8-9 at Brick Pond Park - 45 participants registered.
TOURISM:
• Rock for Rescues Concert on Friday, October 3 at 7:00pm at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater
with the Johnathan Wilson Band performing.
• Explore North Augusta Fall Concert Series continues on Saturday, October 11 at 7:00pm at the
Sharon Jones Amphitheater with the Augusta Symphony performing.
• Visit Explore North Augusta’s Website for more details and upcoming events:
o https://explorenorthaugusta.com
DEPARTMENT DETAILS
for September 29, 2025
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 1 of 2
To apply and to see full job descriptions please visit www.northaugustasc.gov/jobs. You may also contact Human Resources
for more information at 803-442-5712 or sking@northaugustasc.gov.
The City of North Augusta is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Communications Technician I – Public Safety
Grade: 10
Salary/Pay Rate: $20.24 - $24.29/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Environmental Systems Operator III – Water Production
Grade: 13
Salary/Pay Rate: $23.24 - $27.88/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Environmental Systems Operator IV – Water Production
Grade: 15
Salary/Pay Rate: $25.23 - $30.28/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Firefighter – Public Safety
Grade: 4
Salary/Pay Rate: $14.25 - $17.11/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Grounds Worker III – Property Maintenance
Grade: 7
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.25 – $20.70/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I – Sanitation
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $19.24 – $23.09/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Public Safety Officer – Public Safety
Grade: 16
Salary/Pay Rate: $24.54 - $29.45/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Sanitation Worker I – Sanitation
Grade: 4
Salary/Pay Rate: $14.25 - $17.11/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Trades Worker – Streets and Drains
Grade: 8
Salary/Pay Rate: $18.25 - $21.90/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Utility Technician – Public Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $19.24 - $23.09/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Vehicle Operator I – Sanitation
Grade: 6
Salary/Pay Rate: $16.25 - $19.50/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Vehicle Operator II – Sanitation
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $19.24 – $23.09/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 2 of 2
SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
North Augusta City Council
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Briefing
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 1 of 25
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Purpose:
▪To brief the public and city council on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 balanced
budget proposal
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 2 of 25
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FY 2026 Budget Calendar
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 3 of 25
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General Fund Budget Drivers
▪4% increase in PEBA insurance costs to all local governments in South Carolina
▪2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to all City employees (Archer study recommended 3.5-3.6%)
▪Additional personnel (4 FT)
▪Continued transition from Lease-Purchase to outright purchase
▪Vehicle expenditures (Public Safety (11), DPW backhoe, Prop Maint (2), P&R truck (1))
▪Property Maintenance Contract Services
▪Downtown Development
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 4 of 25
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Budget Drivers (Lease-Purchase Transition)
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Interest Rate1.7090.790 1.5703.5154.72*3.52*3.52*
Leased Amount1,668,463.00 1,728,219.00 1,350,336.00 1,662,154.00 1,553,846.00 1,987,405.00 3,009,540.00
Total Interest57,700.00 27,305.00 42,395.39 116,772.65 146,525.83 139,829.07 211,744.05
Total Lease Purchase Expense 1,235,999$ 1,468,160$ 1,656,070$ 1,761,709$ 1,619,433$ 1,119,723$ 771,613$
Public Safety All General Fund Enterprise Funds All Funds
2025 Budget95,260 72,968 181,005 349,233
2026 Budget111,100 49,652 187,600 348,352
2027 Budget135,300 20,949 122,297 278,546
2028 Budget155,100 35,577 165,108 355,785
Total Increase by 2028 Budget496,760 179,146 656,010 1,331,916
2025 Budgeted Items750,000 545,063 692,342 1,987,405
1,246,760 724,209 1,348,352 3,319,321
Requests for 2026 Budget1,040,000 560,887 1,408,653 3,009,540
Increase from 2025 Budget290,000 15,824 716,311 1,022,135
*Estimated rates
Budget Savings by Year
Lease Purchase Savings
Lease-Purchase transition started in FY24
FY2027 is last year of Lease-Purchase if we
maintain this fiscal policy
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 5 of 25
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Personnel Additions:
▪1 Solicitor
▪1 Dispatch Supervisor
▪1 Public Safety HQ Station Sergeant
▪1 Animal Control Tech (not a PSO) –1 July 2026 start
▪Restructuring Parks & Rec Center Program Coordinator -> Program Coordinator (assist with senior
programs)
▪Restructuring Parks & Rec Center Program Coordinator -> Program Coordinator (additional sports)
▪Restructuring Finance Tax Clerk -> Tax & Accounts Receivable Clerk
▪Restructuring Tourism Events Coordinator I -> II (additional duties)
▪Restructuring Tourism & Marketing Coordinator I -> II (additional duties)
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 6 of 25
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Projects / Equipment Additions:
▪Parks & Rec
▪Light duty pickup truck
▪Specialty mowing attachment
▪Golf Carts x 2 / Gator vehicle
▪Country Club Maintenance Budget increase
▪Greeneway water fountain replacements
▪Property Maintenance (Public Services)
▪Full sized pickups x 2
▪48” mower
▪Water tank & trailer
▪Tractor loader
▪Landscape Maintenance Contract funding ($30k) -> $58K
▪Public Works
▪Replacement backhoe & trailer $141K
▪Wayfinding signs $41K
▪Public Safety
▪11 replacement vehicles –9 marked, 2 unmarked –updates fleet to pure Chevrolet $1.04M
▪Fire Hose Replacements $20K
▪Swat Shield Replacements $15K
▪Multi gas detector kit $6K
▪Fire Hydrant Adapters $8K
▪PPV Fan $6.5K
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 7 of 25
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Requested, but not funded (Public Safety):
▪Personnel
▪1 Fire Lieutenant
▪5 PSOs
▪Equipment
▪Drones
▪Drug Scanner
▪Fire Software
▪Less-lethal shotgun
▪Indoor Firing Range Upgrades –Military Enhancement Fund
▪Marked replacements (requested 24, funding 11)
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 8 of 25
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Requested, but not funded (Parks & Rec):
▪Personnel
▪1 Maintenance Worker III (Indoors)
▪1 Maintenance Worker III (Outdoors)
▪Equipment
▪Gator
▪F250 -> getting a Ford Maverick
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 9 of 25
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Requested, but not funded (Tourism):
▪Equipment / Projects
▪Palmetto Terrace Flooring –Capital Project Fund
▪Community Center Parking Lot Paving
▪Community Center exterior painting / cameras
▪Community Center Boiler (Heating) -> Capital Projects Fund
▪Amphitheater Green Room
▪JOJ and River Event increases
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 10 of 25
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Requested, but not funded (all other):
▪P&D
▪Comprehensive Plan –Capital Project Fund
▪Five Notch Road Plan
▪Route 78 / E Martintown Plan
▪Admin / HR / IT / Courts
▪Access Control
▪Camera Replacements
▪Additional Court Personnel
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 11 of 25
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Updated PRT Fee Schedule:
In City Out of City Senior
Activities Center Annual Individual $100.00 Individual $175.00 Individual $60.00
Family $250.00 Family $500.00 Outside $120
Activities Center Partial Quart Semi Quart Semi Quart Semi
Payments Individual $45 $70 Individual $75 $115 Individual $25 $40
Family $105 $170 Family $175 $275 Family N/A N/A
Recreation Programs W/Mem.$70.00 W/Mem.$90.00
W/O Mem.$75.00 W/O Mem.$95.00
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 12 of 25
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Updated Facility Rental Fee Schedule:
Community Center Room Rental Fee
Large Room $2,000.00 Fri -Sun –10 Hr.
Large Room $1,500.00 Mon -Thurs –10 Hr.
Medium Room $300.00 4 Hr.
Full Center $2,500.00 10 Hr.
Full Center Holiday Rate $3,500.00 10 Hr.
Municipal Center Room Rental Fee
Palmetto Terrace $3,500 Weekends –10 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace Holiday $4,500 10 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace $1,500 Weekdays –4 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace $3,500 Weekends –10 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace Holiday $4,500 10 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace $1,500 Weekdays –4 Hr.
Training Room $300 8 Hr.
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 13 of 25
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Updated Wastewater Fee Schedule:
In City Out of City
Base + Per 1,000 Gal.Base + Per 1,000 Gal.
Monthly Charges $11.22 $5.30 $14.75 $5.96
Add. Usage (Over 15,000,000
Gallons)
4.38 4.38
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 14 of 25
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Updated Water Fee Schedule:
In City Out of City
Minimum Monthly Charges Minimum Min. Usage Minimum Min. Usage
5/8" x 3/4"$13.88 3,000 $27.76 3,000
1"$19.39 6,000 $38.68 6,000
1 1/2"$24.55 9,000 $48.89 9,000
2"$34.98 15,000 $69.56 15,000
3"$50.79 24,000 $100.85 24,000
4"$61.32 30,000 $121.72 30,000
6"$166.75 90,000 $330.49 90,000
Usage Above Minimum Charge/1,000 Over Minimum Charge /1,000 Over Minimum
Next 10,000 $1.95 $3.90
Next 27,000 $1.90 $3.80
Next 160,000 $1.85 $3.70
All Additional $1.75 $3.50
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 15 of 25
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Budget Drivers for Water/Wastewater
▪Additional personnel (3.5 FT)
▪Customer Service Rep II
▪Billing Clerk
▪Environmental Systems Operator Trainee
▪Maintenance Worker III .5 in utilities (.25 Property Maintenance, .25 Sanitation)
▪Aiken County Public Service Authority Increase
▪$0.33/per 1,000 gallons
▪6% increase on fixed costs
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 16 of 25
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Average Bill for City Resident:
CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA BILL COMPARABLE LOCAL AUTHORITIES
2025 Rates2026 RatesIncrease
Water (6,900 gallons)19.54$ 21.49$ 1.95$
Wastewater (5,300 gallons)35.07 39.31 4.24$
Sanitation Services 21.44 24.44 3.00$
Stormwater 6.00 6.00 -
Total 82.05$ 91.24$ 9.19$
2026 Budget
Based on 2025 Average Usage
Average Monthly Utility Charges for an Inside City Resident
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 17 of 25
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Updated Stormwater Fee Schedule (No
Change):
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)$6.00
Single-Family Residential Property 1.00 ERU
Multi-Family Residential Property .75 ERU
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 18 of 25
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Updated Fire Protection Fee Schedule (No
Change):
Water Service
Customer
Contract Customer
Outside Fire Protection Service $8.33 per month $100.00 per Year
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 19 of 25
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Updated Sanitation Fee Schedule:
Inside City Residential Sanitation $3.00 increase/month $24.44 /month
City of Aiken $25.21/month
City of Augusta $31.20/month
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 20 of 25
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What Does 2 Mills Cost the Average
Citizen of North Augusta?
Typical Home Value in North Augusta is
approximately $305,000 (Bankrate Housing Market, 9/26/25)
Tax increase will be approximately $24
Tax increase will be approximately $12•2025 Full Size SUV = approximately $7 increase
•2022 Full Size Sedan = approximately $3.38 increase
*Per Aiken County records, the average tax collected on vehicles in the City of
North Augusta is $60. The 2 millage rate would increase the average by $1.50
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 21 of 25
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SC Department of Revenue
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 22 of 25
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Cost of a COLA by Funds
General Fund121,637$
Utitlities Fund24,771
Sanitation Fund16,584
Stormwater Fund2,808
RF/CC Fund 2,331
Total COLA Cost168,130$
COLA Increases by Year
CONA Archer
2026 2%3.5%-3.6%
2025 3%4.0%-4.4%
2024 4%3.7%-4.2%
2023 4%9.8%
2022 4%5.6%
2021 0%2.6%
2020 0%2.5%
2019 0%2.6%
2018 0%2.3%
2017 0%2.2%
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 23 of 25
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Final Recommendation
•Amend General fund budget to increase COLA from 2% to 3%
•No impact on General Fund presentation with the exception of the deletion of one Public Safety
vehicle
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 24 of 25
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
North Augusta City Council
Discussion
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 25 of 25
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