Did Woody Merry Go Too Far During Augusta Budget Meeting?

Augusta, GA—Woody’s back, but has he gone too far this time?

Political activist Woody Merry addressed city leaders at a public hearing on next year’s budget, Thursday, but when his 4-minute time limit was up, Merry refused to stop.

You’ll remember, back in 2008, Merry agreed not to disrupt any public meetings for one year, after his fight with Augusta Coliseum Authority member Bill Fennoy. He made that agreement in exchange for a charge of battery being placed on the dead-docket.

That agreement was 50 weeks ago, not quite a full year.

George Eskola, reporting: “Did you just violate his order?“

Woody Merry, community activist: “Absolutley not, I think that was in reference to Coliseum Authority meetings. I think it was any public meeting. My attorney didn’t advise me of that.

Eskola: “Do you think you violated the spirit…?“

Merry: “No.“

As far as the budget is concerned, it looks like a 16 percent property tax hike for next year is off the table, at least for now. City Adminstrator Fred Russell is recommending a combination of cuts, and new revenues, to make up a nearly $6 million shortfall.