During a recent government meeting, key financial updates and tourism initiatives were discussed, highlighting the city's ongoing efforts to manage its budget and promote local attractions.

Miss Forrester presented the April financials, noting the successful payment of the semiannual debt service on the 2021 water and sewer bond, which supports the water pollution control plant. She reported that utility billing waived late fees in April due to issues with undeliverable mail, resulting in an estimated $13,000 exemption. This disruption also affected vendor payments, causing delays of up to two and a half months. However, she indicated that mail service is stabilizing, and the city is returning to its regular schedule.

Looking ahead, Miss Forrester mentioned that planning for the fiscal year 2025 budget is underway, with discussions expected next month. A proposed 2.5% increase in water and sewer rates, effective October 1, is also on the table, a move aimed at aligning rates with inflation since they have remained unchanged since a 2019 study.

In a separate presentation, Mr. Jackie Chang provided updates on the city's tourism initiative, Explore Canton. The program has seen significant growth since its soft launch in August 2023, with 25,000 unique users visiting the website and an average of 3,200 users per month in 2024. The website's engaging content, including videos, has contributed to an average page engagement time of 1 minute and 26 seconds, surpassing the travel industry average.

Chang highlighted that 57% of website traffic comes from Google searches, with Atlanta accounting for 38% of users. The initiative has also expanded its social media presence, with Facebook and Instagram strategies tailored to engage different demographics. The recent launch of a newsletter has proven successful, boasting a 67% open rate and a 21% click rate, significantly higher than industry averages.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to financial management and tourism promotion, aiming to enhance community engagement and attract visitors to Canton.