City raises, while deserved, were approved hastily

In my 15-year career of accounting and budgeting, I have never seen what I saw this past week in the Augusta Commission chambers. The commissioners approved an across-the-board 8 percent pay increase for all employees without having an approved budget to guide them in determining a feasible percentage rate increase. I'm not arguing the need to fairly compensate the city's workers - just the method in which it was handled.

Several commissioners, including Roy Rearden, are analyzing the budget looking for areas to reduce expenditures, and they are to be commended.

However, I am very troubled that there was no leadership in delaying this hasty decision of pay increases. As Commissioner Don Grantham stated, "It seems we have put the cart in front of the horse" - referring to not having a budget in hand when the raises were approved.

It's time we elect leaders that have a clear vision for our city, and understand budgeting, the impact of tax increases on taxpayers and the dangers of depleting our reserve funds. It's time for fresh, new leadership for a better Augusta.

Joe Bowles, Augusta

(Editor's note: The writer is commissioner-elect for District 3 on the Augusta Commission.)