The Mt. Airy Town Council met Friday evening for a called meeting to finalize the town’s 2025 budget, approve participation in a new first responder PTSD funding program, and discuss the allocation of remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The meeting, which was held at Town Hall, addressed several key topics for the town’s financial planning and public safety.
Budget public hearing
The meeting began with a scheduled public hearing for the proposed 2025 general fund budget. Mayor Ray McAllister opened the floor for public comments on the budget, which was balanced at $433,050. No residents spoke during the hearing, and the council moved to close the session.
Homestead exemption and FLOST
Following the budget hearing, McAllister turned to the discussion of House Bill 451, which addresses the Statewide Floating Homestead Exemption and the Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST). This new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2025, gives local governments the option to participate in the new provisions or “opt out.”
McAllister explained that if the town chooses to participate in the program, no action would be required. However, if the council decides to opt out, they would need to schedule three public hearings between January 1 and March 1, 2025, and pass a resolution formally opting out. He noted the complexity of the law and suggested the council take time to further research its details before making a decision.
The council took no action on the matter during the meeting, opting to gather more information before making a final decision. However, there was some discussion among the council that the town may opt out.
First responder PTSD fund
The council then turned to a discussion about the First Responder PTSD Program Fund, which is part of the mandates of House Bill 451. The fund is designed to help first responders cope with the psychological toll of witnessing traumatic events in the course of their duties.
McAllister presented the estimated cost for Mt. Airy’s participation in the PTSD fund: $148 per year, billed in two six-month increments. The council unanimously approved the town’s participation in the program, which will be managed through the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in partnership with the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency.
ARPA fund allocation
One of the key topics discussed was the remaining balance of the town’s ARPA funds. McAllister recommended allocating approximately $46,500 of the $67,483.32 in remaining funds towards the purchase of a new patrol vehicle, with the remaining funds earmarked for public safety salaries and payroll taxes.
Councilman Ken Moore made the motion to approve the Mayor’s recommendation, which was seconded by Councilman Mike McCoy. However, during the ensuing discussion, Councilman Adam Tullis raised concerns that the funds might be better spent on public safety salaries rather than a new vehicle. He noted that the town’s current patrol vehicle, which has just over 50,000 miles, could be repaired and used for a few more years, especially given that SPLOST funds had already been earmarked for a patrol vehicle for future purchase.
Police Chief Jaime Bowden added that part of the public safety funds in SPLOST would go toward purchasing new police radios, and cautioned that the cost of the radios could exceed the remaining $20,000. Councilman Chris Green suggested that the entire ARPA fund could be allocated to public safety salaries, with the patrol vehicle purchase postponed using SPLOST funds.
After further discussion, Moore withdrew his motion. Tullis then made a motion to allocate all of the remaining ARPA funds to public safety salaries and payroll taxes, a motion that passed unanimously. With this decision, the town’s general fund budget increased to $500,533, while remaining balanced.
The Mt. Airy Town Council is set to meet again on Monday, January 6, 2025, for its regularly scheduled meeting to kick off the new year. The meeting will be held at Town Hall at 1231 Dicks Hill Parkway in Mt. Airy.
