Snellville council waives first reading on FY2025–26 budget; staff outlines staffing, Grove and community center costs

The Snellville mayor and council on May 27 waived the first reading of Ordinance 2025-11, the city’s proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, and scheduled final adoption for June 9.

Staff provided a brief overview of the proposed FY2026 budget before the council waived the first reading. City staff stated the city’s fiscal year begins July 1 and that state law requires a balanced general fund budget.

The staff overview—delivered by Matthew Pepper, city finance staff—listed the total budget as presented at approximately $16,826,170 and said net spending would increase about 2% (roughly $400,000) compared with the prior year. Pepper said part of the increase is related to operations for the Briscoe Park community center now under construction, and the budget includes funding for two new full-time positions and 13 part-time positions to support that facility. The proposed budget also includes operating expenses for The Grove at Town Center and anticipates about $610,000 in rental revenue from the market and from Thrive to help pay The Grove’s costs. Pepper reported a projected fund balance of $629,570 in the general fund as shown in the packet.

Councilmembers did not take final action on the ordinance Tuesday; they moved and seconded to waive the first reading and schedule adoption at the June 9 meeting. The motion passed 6-0.

Pepper told the council the packet includes an overview document and a copy of the proposed budget available in the back of the room; he also invited questions by email at mpepper@snellville.org. Councilmembers noted the budget remains subject to change before final adoption and encouraged public review and comment during the remaining weeks before the June meeting.

Votes and next steps: council voted 6-0 to waive the first reading of Ordinance 2025-11; final adoption is scheduled for June 9, 2025.