AUGUSTA, GA — A renewed push to improve the appearance of Augusta is gaining traction as city officials discuss plans to tackle litter and overgrown grass, two issues that have long been a point of frustration for residents.

Commissioner Don Clark expressed broad support for the initiatives, stating, “All of us are with it. We got to clean up our city. I mean, that’s what everyone expects, and that’s what we’re going to do.” The city is considering the implementation of Operation City Clean Up, a plan that would focus on litter cleanup in high-traffic areas, utilizing individuals sentenced to community service.

Kellie McIntyre, the State Court Chief Judge, explained that the program would provide a constructive outlet for those serving sentences for minor offenses. “Many charged who have been charged with maybe shoplifting, for example, in state court… if you can pick up something that doesn’t belong to you, you can pick up trash off the street,” McIntyre said.

Overgrown grass in public spaces is another issue drawing attention from local officials. Mayor Pro-Tem Catherine Smith Rice echoed the concerns of many residents, advocating for changes to improve the city’s aesthetic. “We hear so many people complain about the Garden City not looking like the Garden City. Let’s put the money where it needs to go, I’m with the mayor,” she remarked. To address this, the mayor is pushing to consolidate all grass cutting responsibilities under a newly formed Public Works Department.

However, not all commissioners are on board with this restructuring. Some, including Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle, expressed concerns about adding another layer of government. “So if we open up this Public Works, we need to do away with Central Services instead of creating another department which actually creates a bigger government,” said Guilfoyle.

Despite concerns about potential costs, Commissioner Clark remained optimistic about the proposal. “It’s going to be a realignment. I don’t necessarily think it’s going to cost us more money. I think it’s just going to be a shifting,” he argued.

The commission committee has recommended moving forward with the Operation City Clean Up plan, but has decided to postpone discussions regarding the creation of the Public Works Department until next month. The decision marks the beginning of what could be a significant transformation for Augusta, as city leaders continue to debate the most effective way to keep their streets clean and their neighborhoods well-maintained.

As the city awaits further discussions on the proposed department changes, the eyes of Augusta remain focused on how these efforts will ultimately reshape the city’s public services.