For the first time, those in Augusta can log-on and weigh in on city spending. Should taxes go up, or should services get cut? The city website is offering a budget survey for those who want to give their two cents. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

It was the first day of early voting in the Augusta Commission District 1 runoff between Matt Aitken and Bill Fennoy. It’s an election that could change the racial balance on the Commission. That’s creating political interest, but no early voting rush. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

The State Court looked into whether Woody Merry’s refusal to stop talking at a city budget hearing violated a court order signed last year saying Merry would not disrupt any public meetings. Solicitor Harold Jones says Merry’s actions we’re questionable but not criminal but Merry feels he’s the one who’s been mistreated. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

According to a press release, State Court Solicitor Harold Jones will not be removing Woddy Merry’s case from the dead docket. Click to read the press release.

Leaders of some Augusta groups are getting sick over proposed budget cuts. Arts and culture groups are going before city Commissioners, this week, making the case why they should not have their budgets slashed.

It’s something the state court solicitor says he’s looking into. We’re talking about Woody Merry’s appearence at Thursday’s Augusta Commission budget hearing. Merry was talking budget, but when his 4-minute time limit was up, he did not want to give it up. Merry is under a court order to not disrupt a public meeting in Augusta and Richmond County for one year, but Thursday’s outburst was two weeks shy of one year.

Augusta Commissioners see it as a solution to balance the budget, and to bring down property taxes: a one percent increase in the city sales tax. But, this easy way out of budget troubles could be hard to come by. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

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.

The TEE Center has been a Commission dividing, energy sapping, time wasting battle since May, but could a settlement be in the air? Commissioner Corey Johnson says he’ll support the downtown location if the size of the center is scaled back. But, TEE Center tensions still run high. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

Hotel developer warns Augusta city leaders that a planned 130-room Hyatt Place Hotel is dependent on Commissioners going ahead and building the proposed Trade Exhibit and Events Center at the approved site off Reynolds Street. Without the TEE Center it could be check out time for the hotel. Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

The District One Augusta Commission race is headed into a runoff between a white and black candidate, and it has people talking. WJBF News Channel 6’s Paige Tucker reports.

For Augusta commission District 1, a runoff will be scheduled between Matt Aitken and William Fennoy.  They were the top vote getters Tuesday night.  For District 3, Joe Bowles is the winner.  In District 5, William Lockett edges out former commissioner Bobby Hankerson.  And in District 9, it’s a solid win for J.R. Hatney with just over 98 percent of the vote.  On the school board side, Patsy Scott will take over for her late husband, longtime educator and board member Joe Scott.  Steve Smith wins re-election as Marshal.

Tuesday is Election Day, in the Garden City, but Election Officials say the big winner appears to be apathy. Even with three contested Commission races on the ballot, turnout will struggle to top ten percent. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

Political watchdog Woody Merry is back in the political spotlight, holding a public forum this week to rail against city government. Merry is not running for any office, but did have a run-in with one of those running in the Augusta Commission District 1 race. So what, if any, impact will Merry have on the race. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola looks for the answer.

A mediation session between lawyers for the adult video store X-Mart and the city has been cancelled. Augusta has been able to keep the store from operating on Gordon Highway for the better part of seven years, but this doesn’t mean the X-Mart could not open its doors in a different location. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.