AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The city’s leadership is back at the drawing board, grappling with the ongoing challenge of finalizing the budget. Despite weeks of effort, a resolution remains elusive.

Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle signaled a more aggressive approach is on the horizon. “This coming Tuesday, we may need to make deeper cuts. Let’s move forward with reducing funding for NGOs, make a motion to pass that, and if necessary, consider layoffs or furloughs,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Currently, a 5 percent reduction is being considered across various departments. However, this proposal has already raised concerns from the administration, with warnings that such cuts could result in sending employees home.

Commissioner Brandon Garrett addressed the difficult discussions surrounding job eliminations. “There’s definitely a reluctance among some of us to pursue that path,” he acknowledged, reflecting the tension in the decision-making process.

In a bid to balance the budget, some commissioners have turned their attention to the Sheriff’s budget, which is slated for an $11 million increase. Despite this, the Sheriff has made it clear that his budget has no flexibility, suggesting that cuts there may not be feasible.

“We’ve reduced our budget as much as we can without affecting the services we provide,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

And some commissioners are hands off.

“We are committed to the Sheriff. I’m not going to turn my back on public safety. I’m not going to defund the police by any means,” said Guilfoyle.

But with commissioners unable to reach an agreement on cuts, a $7 million dollar tax hike becomes more likely to succeed.

“That’s the commissions decision to do it, and basically saying give law enforcement what we asked for in the budget,” said Sheriff Brantley.

“You could see that happening though you don’t support it?” “

“I could see it happening, but I’m not going to turn my back on public safety,” said Guilfoyle.

The budget discussion will be back before commissioners next week.