Finance report shows city revenue up 33% with expenses under budget

During the City Council Work Session held on June 9, 2025, in Stonecrest, DeKalb County, significant discussions centered around the city’s financial health and proposed amendments to city codes aimed at improving operational efficiency.

The meeting began with a financial report highlighting the city’s revenue performance. The city has collected approximately $5.7 million year-to-date, which is about 33% of the projected income of $17.5 million for the year. This positive trend indicates that the city is on track to meet its financial goals. Year-to-date expenses were reported at $4.36 million, showing a favorable balance as expenses remain under revenue by about $1 million. The report also noted an increase in court revenue, which totaled $52,915.27, reflecting a steady rise over the months.

Council members expressed appreciation for the timely financial reporting, which has improved significantly compared to previous delays. However, there were suggestions for further enhancements to the presentation for better clarity and understanding.

The latter part of the meeting focused on proposed amendments to city codes, particularly concerning the alignment of departmental responsibilities with the city’s operational structure. The city manager and legal counsel explained that these amendments are intended to ensure that the city’s code accurately reflects its current organizational structure. This includes renaming positions and departments to better align with their functions, such as changing "director of planning" to "director of community development."

The council discussed the importance of these changes, emphasizing that they are not about shifting power but rather about clarifying roles and responsibilities within the city government. The amendments are seen as a necessary step to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of city services.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s strong financial position and the ongoing efforts to refine its governance structure. The council plans to revisit the proposed amendments in future meetings, ensuring that all changes align with the city’s operational needs and community expectations.