Athens Clarke County officials adopt FY 2026 budget with affordable housing funding

The Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County convened on June 11, 2025, for the third hearing on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and a special called session focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The meeting primarily centered on the adoption of the operating and capital budgets, the establishment of property tax rates for 2025, and the approval of schedules of fees and charges for the upcoming fiscal year.

The session began with the reading of an ordinance by Attorney Hawkins, outlining the budget's provisions for government operations, personnel levels, capital projects, and health insurance programs. Mayor Gertz called for a motion to approve the budget, which was seconded by Commissioner Davenport.

Commissioner Myers expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in budget planning, particularly acknowledging Commissioner Hamby's contributions. Myers highlighted key aspects of the proposed budget, including equity pay raises for law enforcement, funding for essential services such as libraries and public defenders, and a significant allocation of $1 million to the affordable housing fund. However, Myers raised concerns about the exclusion of $5 million in unallocated interest funds from the TSPLOST program, arguing that many projects remain incomplete and that using these funds could jeopardize future funding for critical infrastructure.

Commissioner Link echoed Myers' concerns, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established processes for TSPLOST projects and the potential dangers of reallocating funds without proper consultation. Link proposed an amendment to remove funding for the real-time crime center, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized for community needs.

The discussion continued with various commissioners voicing their support for different budget proposals. Commissioner Fisher made a substitute motion to accept the Hamby budget, emphasizing the need for transparency and equitable funding for historically underserved communities. Commissioner Johnson expressed frustration with the last-minute nature of budget decisions and advocated for a more structured budget process moving forward.

Throughout the meeting, commissioners debated the merits of the proposed budgets, with some advocating for the Hamby budget due to its focus on community needs and others supporting the Myers budget for its fiscal responsibility. The session concluded with a recognition of the challenges faced in the budget process and a commitment to improving future budget discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of budget allocation in Athens-Clarke County, highlighting the need for careful consideration of community needs, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to established funding processes. The commission's next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed budgets and potential amendments before final approval.