Taxpayers will have a chance to comment on the proposed budgets for Habersham County and Baldwin during meetings tonight.
Both governments have put forward balanced budgets. Neither is expected to raise millage rates again this year. However, some property owners will still have higher tax bills due to increased valuations.
Habersham hearing
Habersham County’s proposed FY 2024 budget is $73,723,664 million – 9.34% higher than the current year’s operating budget. It includes 12 new positions, the full year’s cost of an additional Superior Court judge, and 3% merit increases for employees.
A copy of the budget may be viewed here or on the county website.
The public hearing will take place during a called county commission meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 26. The commission is scheduled to vote on the spending measure immediately following the hearing.
Tonight’s hearing will be held in the courthouse jury assembly room in the county courthouse at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville.
RELATED Habersham County budget: What’s in, what’s out
Baldwin meeting
The Baldwin City Council is considering a $3,617,336 General Fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Expenditures will increase by $616,202, or 20.53% over last year’s budget, and will be offset by prior year fund balances, city officials say.
Baldwin’s proposed budget includes eight new positions, including a city clerk and code enforcement officer. It also includes an 8% cost of living allowance for employees and a 60% pay raise for the city’s Chief Administrative Officer. The CAO’s proposed raise is based on a pay study conducted in March, says acting mayor Alice Venter. Those pay raises are scheduled to take effect July 1.
A copy of the budget may be viewed here or on the City of Baldwin website.
Tonight’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom at 155 Willingham Avenue. The public is encouraged to attend and voice their views on the proposed budget during public comments.
There will be another public hearing on the proposed budget before the council votes on the measure. The city council is expected to set the date, time, and location during tonight’s meeting.
MORE Baldwin unveils balanced budget with 20.53% spending increase
SEE ALSO
Acting mayor admonishes residents for not participating in meetings
