Public safety makes the pitch for more money at Augusta budget session

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Sheriff-elect Eugene Brantley is telling city leaders he needs more money in next years' budget, with his new request $3 million dollars down from his first request of $5 million.

"The jail is in bad shape and anybody who goes out there knows it and I don't see why we can't come back to the table and ask for three point one," said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.

For the District Attorney, it's a $2 million dollar budget increase request.

"We need a safer community the life blood of our community is public safety, if we don't have people on safe streets who feel secure in their homes, we're not going to have businesses coming in here," said District Attorney Jared Williams.

But the administrator told commissioners there's not the money in the 2025 budget to fund those requests.

"I can tell you unless I cut out a major program, I will not be able to come back to you with a $5 million dollar or $10 million dollar proposal," said City Administrator Tameka Allen.

With some commissioners wanting more money for public safety, that has some discussing the need for a tax increase in 2025.

"It's definitely a conversation that's on the table and so we'll see where that conversation goes," said Commissioner Stacy Pulliam.

"Do you think it's needed?"

"Once we have all the facts, we'll make that decision," she said.

"Mighty early before we asked for a tax increase as I've said and continue to repeat, we got to create more efficiencies in this government. I strongly believe it's there," said Mayor Garnett Johnson.

Commissioners have set Nov. 19 as the date to approve next year's budget, but the mayor said he doesn't see a decision being made by then.