In December, the city of Chamblee released its proposed General Fund budget balanced at $24,523,556, according to a press release. The primary sources of funding for General Fund revenues include property taxes, occupation taxes, electric franchise fees, insurance premium taxes and building permits.
The property tax estimate in this proposed budget is based upon maintaining the millage rate of 6.25 mils while also increasing the Homestead Exemption to $50,000 – which will reduce taxes on owner occupied homes. The 2020 budget includes:
• The addition of one new full-time position in Finance at $75,000.
• Funding of $80,000 for a fleet replacement analysis of public works equipment and vehicles.
• Clearpoint Strategy Scorecard and Community Dashboard software as a project management and performance measurement solution. This software will allow staff to better manage objectives and action items through a digital platform that allows for automatic reporting, data collection and collaboration.
• The creation of a blight remediation program at $50,000 to allow for the demolition of vacant or abandoned structures in the city.
• The design of a new City Hall in the current location of the police department building.
The 12 active Special Revenue Funds have a total proposed budget of $14,379,221. Special Revenue Fund projects include:
• New park amenities and replacement of benches and trash cans at City Hall Park and Clairmont Park;
• The addition of musical instruments along the rail trail near the existing piano.
• Matching funds of $400,000 for the Dresden Park Stream Restoration project to improve the appearance of the park and improve water quality in the stream;
• Continuation of the Front Yard Tree Program with $10,000 to provide trees to homeowners;
• Funds to complete the remaining Malone Drive sidewalk.
• A $2 million paving project of city streets;
• Completion of the Peachtree Road Streetscape;
• First year funding to construct the Rail Trail segments 4, 5 and 6 as well as Pierce Drive.
• Funds to plan and begin construction on intersection improvements at N. Peachtree and N. Shallowford Roads; and
• Funds to design the Broad Street Streetscape.
In addition to the General and Special Revenue Funds, the 2020 budget includes three Enterprise Funds. The Storm Water Fund ($3,000,549), Sanitation Fund ($1,617,600) and Criminal History Fund ($492,135) are balanced. The Storm Water Fund includes $600,000 for the completion of a systemwide assessment and creation of a long-term capital replacement plan.
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