While the millage rate is expected to stay the same for Fiscal Year 2020, several fee changes are being proposed by Smyrna officials.
A budget hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 20 by Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon and the City Council at City Hall, 2800 King St., Smyrna.
Among the most notable by department are:
Parks and Recreation: increasing the resident fee from $15 to $32 for the youth sports participant facility use fee per season so that "the city can better recoup the costs of field maintenance while keeping a consistent fee structure."
Police: adding a new fee of $100 for electric mobility device storage and return.
Storm Water Utilities: In addition to routine water rate increases next January, this budget also anticipates the City Council will increase the storm water fee in January. The monthly fee currently is $2.95/residential unit. Commercial properties pay the same rate per 3,900 square feet of impervious surface. To better cover this utility's future capital needs, the fee would increase by $0.50/month to $3.45/month. The last time this fee was raised was by $0.50/month in January 2018.
Water Utility Rates: updated to reflect current pricing which went into effect Jan. 1. The annual water rate increase of 2% is a pass-through from the Cobb County Marietta Water Authority.
- Tier 1 (0-3,000 gallons) has increased from $4.05/thousand gallons to $4.13.
- Tier 2 (3,001-7,000 gallons) has increased from $5.39/thousand gallons to $5.50.
- Tier 3 (7,001-14,000 gallons) has increased from $6.72/thousand gallons to $6.85.
- Tier 4 (14,001 gallons and up) has increased from $7.86/thousand gallons to $8.02.
- The multi-family/commercial rate has increased from $5.39/thousand gallons to $5.50.
In response to a directive from the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, the Smyrna Water Utility is proposing the addition of a designated irrigation rate at $8.26/thousand gallons (200% of the lowest water tier).
A new charge will be a monthly base rate plus usage for fire line water service. Consistent with base rates charged in unincorporated Cobb County, the rates would range from $20 to $110, depending on the meter size.
An increase is being proposed for 1-inch irrigation meters from $1,200 to $1,700, mirroring the proposal for 1-inch water meters, and an increase to the sewer tap locating fee from $107 each to $250 each.
New fees include a meter drop-in fee at $830, a water meter upgrade fee at $830 and Public Works re-connect fees at $50 (weekday) and $100 (weekend).
Information: SmyrnaGa.gov/your-government/departments/finance/annual-budget-financial-audit-reports
About the Author
