Development News for Acworth, Georgia

City of Ackworth Holds Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The City of Ackworth held a public hearing for the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. City Manager Albright presented the budget, which includes expected property tax growth of 3.5%, a 15% rise in healthcare costs, and 4% raises for city employees. The budget also proposes lowering residential power rates by 2.5% for the second consecutive year and fully funds capital expenditure requests from the capital improvement fund. The budget assumes the existing service delivery strategy agreement with Cobb County remains in place through 2029. The proposed budget balances revenues of $23,510,106 with expenditures of $23,508,437, maintaining a fund balance of 22.9%, which exceeds the state requirement of 17%. No new positions were funded, but career development paths and market adjustments for skilled labor were enhanced. The board members expressed appreciation for the staff's work in preparing the balanced budget.

Spring Hill Suites Groundbreaking Set for June 18th; Budget Support Thanked

The City Manager expressed gratitude to the board for supporting the budget and thanked the city treasurer, Suzanne, and the finance team for their work in assembling it. He also announced that groundbreaking for the 110-room Spring Hill Suites by Marriott will occur on June 18th, a project that has been in development for over four years. Director of Downtown Development, Tourism, and Historic Preservation, Jeff Chase, was commended for his role in facilitating this project. The city believes the hotel will contribute positively to the sustainability and growth of the downtown area.

Claude Johnson Sr. Honored for 90th Birthday and Community Contributions

Mr. Claude Johnson Sr. was honored with a proclamation for his 90th birthday. Mr. Johnson was born in Mars Hill Community, Ackworth, Georgia, and has resided in Ackworth for nine years. He attended Ackworth Rosenwald School and started working at age 15. In the 1960s, he organized and coached the first African-American youth baseball team in Ackworth, with his wife Willie Mae assisting in transportation and uniform provision. He has served on his church's board of trustees for 30 years. On November 4th, the Ackworth History Foundation honored Mr. Johnson and his wife, Willie May, with the Nancy Smith Maxwell Award for Preservation Heritage for their contributions to preserving the city's history. Mr. Johnson is affectionately known as 'our room for two layers'. The proclamation expressed love and thanks for his contributions to the city's quality of life on his upcoming 90th birthday on June 15th, 2026.

Ackworth Celebrates Georgia Municipal Court Clerks Week

The city recognized the contributions of municipal court clerks during Georgia Municipal Court Clerks Week, June 8th-12th. Alderwoman Kimberly Haas delivered the proclamation. James Friedrich, Director over Courts, highlighted the importance of the court team, including Court Administrator Jamie Mullinax and Senior Court Clerk Tracy Hatfield. He emphasized their outstanding customer service and professionalism, noting that their interactions largely shape the public's perception of the judicial system. The clerks handle citations, attorney filings, warrants, and license suspensions, interacting with organizations like 911 Dispatch and the Department of Driver Services. Jamie Mullinax was credited with implementing initiatives that make the court operations cutting-edge, including digitization and reducing paper reliance. The proclamation acknowledges the clerks' role in providing access to justice, preserving public safety, and promoting quality of life.