WFXG Fox54 Augusta-Your News One Hour EarlierAugusta commission to tackle several big issues Tuesday

Richmond County Commissioners are tackling several big issues in Tuesday's commission meeting.

A few of the top issues going in front of commissioners include a smoking ban in Augusta's public places; they are also considering privatizing the city's human resources department - at the cost of one million dollars.

Commissioners are also looking into upgrading the TEE Center's ventilation system to the tune of $800,000.

Banning public smoking in Augusta has been a top issue on the minds of citizens as well as commissioners.

"I think it is a public health issue so I think it's something that we as a city need to go with," said Augusta Mayor, Deke Copenhaver.

"Cigarettes are a legal substance and how can you prohibit somebody from doing something that's legal," asked Mayor Pro Tem, Joe Bowles.

Bowles also said he isn't sold on another big issue - upgrading the TEE Center's ventilation system.

"I expect a lot of questions, why the taxpayers need to spend another $300,000 to $400,0000 on a ventilation system if it already meets state code," said Bowles.

Copenhaver said, "We're not talking about new money for the project; this is money that's already in the budget so I believe it's something that we need to do in order to maintain our relationship with Marriott."

Before commissioners sign off Augusta's Human Resources Department to Automatic Data Processing - they hope for more information.

"It's too confusing the way things are interpreted with the data and it just doesn't give you a clear cut picture of which method is going to save you money," said Bowles.

But talk about making decisions about these issues is met with uncertainty.

"I'm unsure about all of them, you know I'm not ready to make a commitment on any of them until I get some more information and I think my colleagues are pretty much in the same boat," said Bowles.

"We'll see if it's put together in a way that's palatable for the majority of the commission and we'll see how it goes tomorrow," said Copenhaver.

Here's a look at other issues that are on the meeting's agenda: approving a $110,000 salary for new Fire Chief, Chris James and turning over Deputy JD Paugh's motorcycle to the Augusta Museum of History for an exhibit dedicated to local law enforcement.

Fox54 will be in the meeting tomorrow and we'll let you know what the commissioners decide.