Technology
What we know about the emergency at Savannah River Site
By Clara Jennings
Augusta Utilities director says new meters will ‘start to minimize’ billing complaints
Marcus Reed
Marcus Reed
Senior Reporter · Martinez, GA
With a background in finance and journalism, Marcus Reed has spent over a decade reporting on the intricacies of local businesses and economic trends in Augusta. He graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Business Administration and worked previously at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His expertise lies in economic analysis and local industry developments.
More from Marcus →Senior Reporter · Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 10:53 PM · 1 min read
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne told commissioners that some complaints about water meters and readings are valid, as he asked to speed up a meter replacement program and requested a 6.5% water and sewer rate increase for 2027.Byne spoke during the department’s FY2027 budget presentation Oct. 23. He said Augusta Utilities has replaced approximately 4,000 meters with new cellular AMI meters and has increased its installation pace.Meter replacement programThe original plan was to replace approximately 75,000 meters over five years. Byne wants to complete the work in three years.The program is financed through a previously approved Georgia Environmental Finance Authority loan with a 20-year repayment term. The department’s proposed FY2027 supply budget includes an increase of approximately $6 million, driven primarily by inventory purchases for the meter replacement program.Billing complaintsCommissioner Lonnie Wimberly raised concerns about residents compla
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