Austell schools, a park and the fire department will benefit from interest earned this year on the city’s $5 million Norfolk Southern railroad settlement with approval this week of the Austell City Council.

Garrett Middle School will receive $2,500 for its Truancy Program, which was started by Mayor Joe Jerkins to help students improve their school attendance by meeting family needs and mentoring.

Austell Elementary School will be given $3,000 to provide for lunches and field trips for students.

The city’s fire department will receive $35,000 for bunker gear.

Also, the city’s Veterans Memorial Park will be given $5,000.

The Austell Area Community Improvement Commission, or AACIC, recommends to the City Council uses for the interest fund.

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John Raulet, a partner in Raulet Property Partners, stands in the soundstage at Mailing Street Stageworks, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Atlanta. Raulet’s company has either converted or sold off all but one of its soundstages amid a downturn in film production in the U.S. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com