Development News for Powder Springs, Georgia

City Council Approves FY2025 Budget Amendment and FY2026 Budget

The City Council reviewed and approved the budget amendment for fiscal year 2025, which included transfers from the general fund to the capital projects fund for various expenditures, including property purchases from tax sales, audit services, IT infrastructure upgrades, a transportation study, amphitheater and park facility assessments, amphitheater name removal, police radios, and PD building renovations. The council also approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, which focuses on strategic priorities such as developing a safe city, attracting businesses, creating a sense of community, and developing destinations. Key aspects of the FY2026 budget include funding for vehicle replacement, cybersecurity, stormwater and road repairs, ADA improvements, business support services, community events, park improvements, and facility needs assessments. The budget also outlines assumptions regarding digest growth, investment earnings, sanitation rates, and stormwater fees. Financials for the general fund, capital projects, sanitation fund, stormwater fund, and bond payments were presented. The council also discussed non-major funds like impact fees, hotel/motel taxes, police seizures, and the opioid settlement fund. Additionally, a question was raised about the balance of the special mayor council reserve fund, with clarification that it is spread across multiple accounts and remains above seven million dollars.

Positive Update on Workforce Housing; Encouragement for Community Event Participation

Councilmember Luss reported positively on the Seelig property's workforce housing program, noting that all 12 designated units are occupied by essential workers, including teachers, a county employee, a police officer, a hospital employee, and a bus driver. Councilmember Wisdom encouraged residents to participate in upcoming city events like movie nights, the 4th of July celebration, and Juneteenth. She also highlighted the thorough budget presentation and the upcoming GMA convention.