Please remember to attend the work session at 7pm to hear council discussions of this month's topics. Two important issues are on this month's agenda.
The budget was put on first read in October and is expected to pass at this November meeting. Citizens will have an opportunity to speak prior to the vote.
A draft of the October minutes is included in the agenda linked above and includes extensive information about the preparation of the budget as well as the level of city reserves. You can read my analysis of the reserves here.
In the excerpt from the minutes, Mayor Lois Salter talks about the Financial Committee meeting concerning the budget:
“During that meeting, we talked about the reserves which have accrued slowly over years as a result of the pattern we have had of moving any money left over in a budget line to reserves rather than finding something else to spend it on.”
In response, I must first say that the reserves have not been accumulating slowly. About $1.2 million was added to reserves in the last two years alone. In addition, I don't feel her characterization about not “finding something else to spend it on” is relevant. The problem is the result of basing the budget on the previous year's budget, instead of the previous year's actual results. It appears the numbers are not based on any actual projects, so it is not really that suprising that the money isn't spent. But my opinion is it shouldn't be budgeted. Georgia Municipal Association offers guidelines for preparing a municipal budget.
Although the City has learned that the State of Georgia holds all authority for hunting regulations, the City is seeking to enact ordinances that are as restrictive as possible. A new ordinance is being proposed on the discharge of weapons. It is expected to be put on first read at this meeting and finalized in December.
Many citizens commented about the deer problem and hunting at the October meeting. I urge you to read the comments in the draft minutes included in the agenda.