September 29, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---The Augusta-Richmond County mosquito control department is expected to recommend a 50-cent a month hike in water bills. That action is coming at Monday's city commission committee meetings.

The money raised, about $31,000 a month, would help finance the mosquito control program.

Also, Commissioner Joe Bowles is recommending reconsidering health insurance for city workers. Instead of the present Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan, he's looking into a self-insured policy, with incentives for "healthy living."

Bowles is also recommending cutting park hours or turning over parks and recreation centers to non-profit groups or churches. He said that could save up to $2,000,000 a year.

The committee meetings usually result in a vote that would send the ideas to the entire Commission for consideration, usually the following week.

The entire Commision also has a special called meeting Monday to approve transferring $10,000,000 for the Medical College of Georgia demolition and expansion project at the old Gilbert Manor public housing project.

Stay tuned to News 12 later Monday for updated reports of what actions the Commissioners take.