The Augusta Charter Review Committee held a public hearing on July 12, 2025, to gather community input on the future governance of Richmond County. The meeting began with an overview of the committee's objectives, emphasizing the importance of public feedback in shaping the leadership and decision-making processes of the local government.

Committee members highlighted the establishment of a dedicated website, augusta.gov/crc, where residents can access documents and updates related to the charter review. They also announced a survey aimed at collecting public opinions, which had already received over 800 responses, underscoring the community's engagement in the process.

As the meeting progressed, attendees were invited to share their thoughts and questions. Ground rules were set to ensure a smooth discussion, with speakers limited to three minutes each. The committee expressed a commitment to transparency, encouraging participants to provide their contact information for follow-up responses if immediate answers were not available.

A key focus of the discussion was the foundational decision regarding the form of government for Augusta-Richmond County. The committee acknowledged the complexity of this decision, recognizing the need for safeguards to ensure accountability and proper management of public funds.

The hearing featured several community members who voiced their concerns and suggestions. Notably, Moses Todd emphasized the importance of the committee members being sworn in to uphold the Georgia state constitution and general law, reflecting the community's desire for responsible governance.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further comments and questions, reinforcing the committee's commitment to listening to the public as they navigate the charter review process. The next steps will involve analyzing the feedback received and continuing to engage with the community as the committee works towards recommendations for the future governance structure.