Development News for McDonough, Georgia

City Council Approves Ordinance Amending Title II, Chapter 2.20 of City Code

The council approved an ordinance amending Title II, Chapter 2.20 of the City Code. The specific details of the amendment were not elaborated upon in the transcript, but the motion to approve the ordinance passed with six votes in favor [cite: 772-777].

Multiple Zoning and Land Use Cases Postponed to June 15th Meeting

Several land use and zoning items were addressed, including postponements for cases 260204 (rezoning RM75 to RTD with conditions) and 260203 (rezoning to RTD with variances), both moved to the June 15th meeting. Case 260209 (zoning modification for sandwich shop and janitorial business) was also postponed to June 15th. A fourth item, related to annexation objections from Henry County, was indefinitely postponed previously and required no further action. Motions to postpone these items were passed [cite: 663-720].

City Council Approves Phased Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project

The City Administrator presented a proposal for a phased implementation of wayfinding and gateway signage throughout the city. The project, funded by SPLOST, aims to address outdated gateway signs and the lack of clear directional signage. Phase one involves 20 signs at a cost of $240,000, to be installed by city staff. Phase two includes seven signs and new gateway signs for $150,000, also to be installed by staff. Phase three involves larger monument-style gateway signs that will require contractor installation and GDOT approval, with no dollar figure yet provided. The proposal also includes replacing all city street signs section by section, a process already underway. Additionally, new, larger, and more visible rezoning signs with color-coding and QR codes are proposed to enhance transparency. The council debated the design, visibility, and installation timeline, particularly concerning the upcoming FIFA event. The motion to proceed with the wayfinding signs passed with six votes in favor [cite: 500-662].

City Council Reviews 2026-2027 Budget Update, Highlighting Proposed Expenditures and Millage Rate Considerations

The City Administrator presented an update on the 2026-2027 budget process, outlining revenues, expenditures, and proposed expenses for various departments. Key financial points included the current millage rate of 3.0330, a decrease in the estimated digest from last year, and a potential rollback millage rate of 3.184 that would not constitute a tax increase. The presentation detailed departmental expenses, with police and fire departments being the largest expenditures. Several specific departmental expenses were highlighted, including building repairs, financial system upgrades, truck replacements, computer purchases, HVAC and roof repairs, court renovations, new weapons and equipment for the police, SCBA and hose purchases for the fire department, street light improvements, park repairs, planning and zoning studies, building code updates, beautification projects, and significant capital expenditures for water and wastewater treatment plants, including generator replacements and upgrades. The budget also accounts for a proposed 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees and outlines new positions requested by departments. The budget does not include a rate increase for water and sewer services, but a 3% increase for solid waste services was noted. The budget process includes upcoming public hearings in June, with the final millage rate to be set in August [cite: 232-297, 313, 339-341, 408].