CLARKESVILLE — The Clarkesville City Council voted Monday to approve its proposed $5.6 million budget and a millage rate of 13.57 mills for fiscal year 2026.
The unanimous vote followed the city’s third and final public hearing on the budget and tax rate, as required by the Georgia Department of Revenue. The previous two hearings on Sept. 23 and 29 drew no public attendance, and fewer than 10 residents attended Monday’s session.
“We had the other two hearings, and nobody came,” City Manager Keith Dickerson said. “So, I’m glad we’ve got some people here tonight.”
Inflationary increase
Dickerson presented a $5.62 million spending plan — an 8.5% increase over the current year — while maintaining the same effective tax rate as 2025. The rate appears higher under the state’s new 40% property assessment system, changing the calculation from 5.428 mills to 13.57 mills. Taxes on a $250,000 home will remain about $1,357.
“Why are we needing to go up?” Dickerson said. “It’s because a lot of our expenses are going up. The same for you at home happens to us.”
The higher budget reflects rising costs in utilities, landfill tipping fees, postage, and technology. Georgia Power rates have increased 14% since mid-2023, while landfill fees rose 10%. The city’s general fund — its largest — totals $3.18 million.
About 25% of the increase will fund public safety technology, including a new 911 system and cell phones for first responders. Dickerson said the upgrades are critical for coverage and safety.
“You had to drive to the end of the road to make a radio call, and I’m sure my fire and police can prove that,” Dickerson said.
The new FirstNet system will reach 92% of Habersham County, allowing officers to make calls in emergencies.
Water and sanitation rate hike
To support infrastructure and capital needs, the city will implement a 9% base-rate increase for water service and a 4% sanitation rate hike.
“The idea was to slowly increase the rate to help cover the cost of that, and it’s just not done a ton of good,” Dickerson said, referring to the $7 million rebuild of the water treatment facility completed in 2017. “The new growth has helped, but we have not seen the rates go up as we anticipated them going up.”
Dickerson said the modest rate hikes barely offset higher tipping fees for sanitation and water. The budget also includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees with no increase in health insurance premiums.
‘Year of Infrastructure’
Calling 2026 “The Year of Infrastructure,” Dickerson said planned improvements include a new roundabout, sewer main upgrades along the river, and stormwater relining projects.
The city’s reserves remain within the recommended 25–40% range. Dickerson reminded residents that Clarkesville relies heavily on property taxes because it does not receive local option sales tax (LOST) revenue.
SPLOST vote
A proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which voters will decide Nov. 4, could ease that burden, and Dickerson stated if approved that money would go towards public safety improvements.
“We want to design the fire station that we’re going to build, or potentially build,” Dickerson said.
SPLOST funds would also support law enforcement vehicles, public safety equipment, paving, park upgrades, and utility projects.
The council approved the budget and millage rate 4-0, with Councilmen Brad Coppedge and Don Nix absent. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3.
