Budget shortfall may delay new Sandy Springs park

Big plans for a new riverfront park and other large projects could be delayed in Sandy Springs, where officials project a 9 percent drop in revenues.

Cities across the region are dealing with budgetary shortfalls, as property values and sales-tax collections plunge. The decline is expected to shave about $8 million off Sandy Springs’ current $91 million spending plan, prompting a need to postpone or cancel some projects, said city manager John McDonough.

“You have got set operational expenses, so what you’ll see are less dollars for capital projects,” McDonough said Tuesday after the city’s first budget workshop.

At the session, the mayor and council ranked various capital projects, which were provided along with their estimated costs. Morgan Falls Overlook Park, for instance, is projected to cost $1.8 million next year. That is on top of the $1.7 million the city is spending this year to design the playground, pavilion and other features in the park.

And, it is separate from the $1.8 million needed to finish athletic fields already under construction at Morgan Falls.

“We will have to make priorities,” Mayor Eva Galambos said. “That’s what this exercise is all about.”

One potential savings could be announced at the next budget workshop May 12. The city is negotiating with CH2M Hill, the private Colorado-based firm that provides its day-to-day operations, to cut from its $25.8 million contract.

McDonough also will release additional revenue projections at the workshop, the last before he unveils his recommended budget on May 26.

The city council is slated to hold public hearings on the budget June 2 and 9, before voting on the spending plan June 16. The fiscal year begins July 1.