Peachtree City approves $38.5m budget

After a series of required public hearings, the City Council of Peachtree City unanimously approved a $38.5 million general fund budget for FY2021 at its Aug. 6 meeting. Financial Services Director Paul Salvatore said no changes had been made to the plan since the initial hearings. The new budget reflects an estimated $37 million of revenue and the planned use of $1 million in cash reserves. Public safety represents $16 million of the city’s annual expenses, followed by $7.2 million related to public works.

However, City Manager Jon Rorie said the “very conservative budget” reflects an expected 3 percent shortfall in property tax revenue and a likely drop in both sales tax and hotel/motel tax revenue due to economic circumstances related to the coronavirus. Rorie said the city has made expense cuts, including personnel, to reduce costs.

Next on the council’s financial agenda is holding public hearings on the proposed millage rate at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 13 and again at 9 a.m. on Aug. 20 at City Hall before voting to finalize the rate at its next regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 20.