The Stockbridge City Council is considering a $10,819,841.88 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, an increase of about $638,000 over the current year.
A second reading took place at the council’s Nov. 27 workshop meeting with no public comment either for or against. The budget is expected to be voted on in December.
City officials noted that modest increases are expected for franchise fees, licensing fees, rental incomes and local option sales tax, as well as anticipated revenue increases in fees related to permitting associated with assuming those responsibilities from Henry County in the past year.
Several items were identified as the primary reasons for the proposed increase in the general fund budget. Those include:
Contingency – $150,000.
Exit beautification – $50,000.
Nuisance abatement – $50,000.
Health benefit increase – $109,000.
Dental increase – $53,000.
Annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for staff (5 percent) – $146,000.
Information technology upgrades – $50,000.
Amphitheater management /startup – $50,000.
All of these items were discussed at the recent budget retreat and/or approved by the council, according to staff. Increases in health and dental costs are being absorbed by the city and not passed on to employees. Expenditure increases are offset by actual revenue increases realized in the 2018 budget projected forward, including local option sales tax, insurance premium tax, permitting, and franchise fees. City officials plan to use SPLOST IV funds to address some capital needs.
Some new employee positions are recommended under the 2019 budget. One of those is a fire marshal, whose presence would provide plan review to support the overall permitting process and enable permits to be issued in a more timely fashion while ensuring annual inspections of all Stockbridge businesses.
Also recommended is the creation of a building and permit coordinator position. These duties have been handled mostly by temporary employees up to now. Two other suggested posts are purchasing supervisor and inventory clerk.
