AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta commissioners failed to decide on the 2026 budget Tuesday as the city faces a $21 million shortfall that must be resolved by year-end.

The shortfall stems from rising costs, including more than 120 new deputy positions, increased health care expenses and federal debt obligations.

Commissioners have approved some cuts to housing programs and the county correctional institution and raised employee healthcare costs, but that still leaves more than $19 million to balance.

For years, commissioners kept taxes low by using COVID relief funds to cover rising costs. That money has run out, leaving agencies bracing for cuts.

These factors could force changes to daily city services like public safety, roads and parks.

Commissioners must decide whether to rai

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