N. Augusta water bills to get pricier in 2009

North Augusta residents will not pay more in taxes for 2009, but their water bills will go up.

City council unanimously approved a $31,058,342 budget Monday. Residents will pay an extra $1.02 on their monthly water bills, and those outside the city will pay an extra $2.78.

City Administrator Sam Bennett acknowledged the budget reflected a rise in gasoline prices, which have dropped since the budget was proposed, but he said the value of recyclables has dropped, generating less revenue.

In other business, the council unanimously voted to annex about 2.76 acres at the intersection of Jefferson Davis Highway and Revco Road. RaceTrac plans to open a gas station there.

The date for the 2009 municipal general election was approved for April 28. Anyone interested in running for office can submit their request between 9 a.m. Jan. 5 and noon Jan. 12.

Man may get new trial in vehicular homicide

Prosecutors are contemplating a new trial for a Harlem man charged with vehicular homicide after a Columbia County jury was unable to reach a verdict Saturday.

"We are in the process of evaluating that, and we have not yet made a decision," Assistant District Attorney Adam King said Monday.

Brandon Christopher Newman, 26, faced two counts of vehicular homicide after a May 2007 wreck that killed his brother and a female passenger.

He was also charged with serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with excessive blood concentration, reckless driving and an open-container violation.

The 12-person jury deliberated five hours Friday and three and a half hours Saturday before telling Superior Court Judge Carl C. Brown Jr. they were divided on verdicts for several charges.

Mr. Newman was driving on Harlem-Grovetown Road about 3 a.m. on May 13 with his brother Cameron, 23, of Harlem; Mallory Jason, 19, of Martinez; and Sarah Boykin, 16, of Richmond County, when he lost control and hit a tree, police said. His brother and Ms. Jason were killed, and Ms. Boykin was seriously injured.