Ending a process that briefly threatened to leave the city with no operating funds, Snellville leaders have reached an agreement on a fiscal year 2013 budget that reduces the millage rate.
The City Council found consensus Monday on a $10.3 million budget that will lower property taxes for residents, give city employees a 1 percent raise and restore $426,000 for a road project.
"I think we've got everything solved," said council member Dave Emanuel.
The unanimous approval of the budget and millage rate was a harmonious close to another contentious chapter in the life of a City Council that has been at odds dating back to November when Mayor Kelly Kautz narrowly was elected over a candidate favored by four other council members.
Council members voted down the mayor's initial budget, saying they wanted to cut spending and lower the millage rate and then passed an amended version during a June 29 meeting. Kautz used her executive powers to nullify that budget, citing concerns over financial and procedural errors. She submitted another budget proposal for Monday's meeting, warning that Snellville might have potentially been unable to meet its financial obligations if the council didn't approve the budget.
Much of the difference between the city's two previous budget proposals came from the removal of $426,000 targeted for a road project. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts said he didn't include those funds because he believed Snellville should pay for that project with money —- $1.7 million —- received from Gwinnett County in March as part of a settlement over the cost of services.
To compromise, the money for the road project was restored to the budget but was paid for with surplus funds.
Those surplus funds also compelled council members to reduce the millage rate to 5.0 mills — a .7 mill decrease from the previous year. For residents who own a home valued at $150,000, the difference in the tax bill, not counting homestead exemptions and other reductions, would be $42.
The meeting started with the presentation of a $19,000 check to Aimee Copeland's family, a donation meant to help the 24-year-old native in her recovery from a deadly flesh-decaying infection. The money came from a fundraiser last month dubbed "Aimee's Weekend."
"The Copelands set a good tone for the meeting," council member Mike Sabbagh said.
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