The city of Hapeville moved forward Tuesday and passed a nearly $18 million budget to fund all operations for the budget year that starts July 1.
Hapeville Mayor Alan Hallman cautioned the budget was a fluid document, because the city has not yet received the tax digest from Fulton County. Once the final numbers are in, the city will be able to finalize its revenue projections from the conservative figures the city used in preparing the 2012 budget.
To balance the 2012 budget, Finance Director Mike Clark said the city would use nearly $500,000 in reserve funds. By tapping the reserves, the city stays away from layoffs and furloughs that many other governments are implementing, he added.
“That’s why you have a rainy day fund,” Hallman said.
The budget assumes no millage rate increase from the 2011 budget’s 16.61, and Clark said he’s expecting to see 2011 property values drop at least 10 percent.
Included in the 2012 budget is a full-time economic development position. During the past few years, the city has upgraded several venues around the city, including the historic Christ Church and carriage house, that can be used as revenue sources. Officials said the new position will oversee the venues, along with marketing the city as a destination. The city recently has hosted a film festival, and officials hope to build on its success.
Other new positions in the budget include facility landscape positions to help upgrade and maintain the city’s corridors. The city has recently finished landscaping the I-85 entrance to the city, and plans on more beautification projects in the upcoming year.
Despite the tough economic times, Hallman was pleased that the level of services is not decreasing in the new budget year. The recent announcement of Porsche locating its North American headquarters on the old Ford plant site next to Hapeville has spurred optimism, and Hallman said it’s important to present a positive image to the business community, and continue projects that were already planned.
“It’s important that everybody knows that the lights are on and Hapeville is open for business.”
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