AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – In about a month, homeowners in Augusta will be getting their tax bills that could include a property tax increase.

“Taxes have just gone completely crazy, so I don't think that is a good thing at all,” said Nichole Johnson.

But, it is a thing. Commissioners are being told there's nearly an $11-million-dollar shortfall in the budget due to unexpected expenses, like the city being forced to repay misused federal housing grants.

“We're still looking about being about $7 million dollars in the hole with that, we had our health care increases,” said City Administrator Tameka Allen.

The administrator is recommending two options: raising the tax rate or use general fund reserves as a stop gap.

“How to resolve this issue right now, my thing is, take it out of general fu

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