Toccoa’s City Commission unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget during its regular meeting on Monday, May 19, following a second reading and a public hearing.
No residents spoke during the hearing.
The approved budget totals $66.4 million, reflecting a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Despite the overall reduction, funding for public safety saw notable increases. The police department’s budget rose to cover training, education, and canine-related expenses, while the fire department received a $130,000 boost to support professional services, communication needs, and the purchase of new equipment.
“The decrease is primarily due to decreases in our water/wastewater fund,” City Manager Fredda Wheeler explained after the meeting. “We’re nearing the end of completing some projects.”
The budget includes a 3% cost of living pay raise for all city employees. The city employs around 185 people, according to Wheeler.
Police and fire services continue to be among the city’s largest expenditures. On the revenue side, Toccoa relies heavily on its utilities – including gas, water, sewer and garbage services – for funding.
“The city of Toccoa continues to make infrastructure and facility improvements in our community…and maintain a high level of service for our citizens and the customers,” Wheeler said during the hearing.
Now Habersham has reached out to Wheeler for specific figures related to utility revenues.
Tax, utility rates remain steady
City officials confirmed that the current millage rate of 6.0 mills will remain unchanged. An official vote is expected in August, after Stephens County provides updated property tax digest figures. A mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value, with assessments in Toccoa based on 40% of a property’s value. Last year, the city collected around $1 million in property taxes.
Residents will also avoid any increase in utility rates this year, according to city officials. “There is no proposed millage rate increase and no utility rate increases are proposed,” Wheeler said.
Toccoa Mayor Terry Carter lauded efforts by city employees in drafting the newly-approved budget Monday.
“All in all, it’s a good budget and I appreciate all of your hard work on that,” Carter said.
