A proposed $12.8 million budget for the 2021 fiscal year was presented for an initial public hearing to the Stockbridge City Council at its November 9 regular meeting. The final adoption is likely to come December 14.

  City manager Randy Knighton told the council that the budget had been reduced by $2 million from what had been presented previously at the annual council retreat, and additional cuts would be made prior to final adoption. Several additional staff positions are being considered in various departments, including some duties traditionally performed by the county that could be brought in-house.

  Among the line items in the budget is a proposed $12,500 for the inaugural Juneteenth holiday celebration next year. There were no citizen comments at the first public hearing.

  In other business, the council approved the purchase of 14 new Kubota mowers through a state contract. The $133,712.28 cost is offset by $22,500 on the trade-in value of older equipment that is being replaced. The expenditure is being funded by the public works, water and sewer departments.

  The council also approved an amended fee schedule for water, sewer and sanitation as well as a master agreement with the PATH Foundation which is intended for planning, designing and construction management of greenway trails in the city.

  A $62,500 expenditure for the Smith-Barnes sewer main and force main rehabilitation project was approved, as was a request authorizing the use of $120,000 from the sanitation division’s fund balance to cover increased landfill disposal costs.