Three public hearings will be held over the mayor’s proposed budget for Athens-Clarke County for the next fiscal year.
Mayor Kelly Girtz's budget includes a pay hike for government employees which will vary across departments. The $166 million budget represents a nearly $18 million increase from last year and includes trimming the millage rate by a half a mil.
Because of increases in property values, the county will actually take in a larger share of its revenue from property taxes than it has in previous years, The recommended budget would see housing and development receive the largest increase in funding with a 37% boost, or $1.4 million. In terms of actual dollars, the area classified as “general government” will rise by the largest amount. This covers the mayor and commission, manager’s office, tax assessors, board of elections and other general government administration.
The public hearings will be held Tuesday, May 10 at 5:30 at 120 West Dougherty Street, the following Tuesday , May 17th at 6pm at City Hall, and the day of the vote, June 7th at 6pm at City Hall.
