City Manager Sharon D. Subadan and Chief Financial Officer Althea Phillip Bradley presented the City of South Fulton’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a public hearing held Aug. 26. The proposed citywide budget totals about $431 million and is structured to fund operating needs and a multiyear capital program.

The most prominent numbers presented by staff:
- Total proposed citywide budget: $431,000,000 (proposed FY26)
- General fund operating budget: approximately $196,000,000
- Capital projects (CIP and related funds): approximately $191,000,000 (includes funding for new police and fire headquarters)
- Proposed millage used in example calculations in the presentation: 12.399 (staff cited taxable value base)
- Net taxable digest after exemptions shown in presentation: about $5.4 billion

Key priorities called out in the manager’s presentation include the police and fire headquarters and related facilities; a focused sidewalk and street‑lighting initiative; a home repair program for seniors; playground equipment and accessible facilities funded by CDBG; and targeted food‑security programming. Staff described a $1 million allocation for streetlight utilities and an annual sidewalk maintenance program.

Why it matters: The budget funds core municipal services and capital investments that will shape the city’s operations and facilities for years. The proposed capital package finances major facility projects, which staff said are the single largest drivers in the 2026 capital plan.

Public comment and council response: Two residents addressed the hearing. Tamika Leverett urged fiscal caution, noting prior audit findings and asking the council to avoid approving a large “wish list” before operational controls are fully in place. Jane Williams asked for clearer breakdowns of certain budget line items and urged staff to clarify the portion labelled “other.” Council members thanked staff for the work and asked for additional clarifying materials before final adoption. Several council members emphasized the need to coordinate event funding and to use sponsorships where practical.

Next steps: Staff said they will incorporate council feedback and return with updated budget documents. Final adoption is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2025; staff also listed follow-up opportunities and a community town hall scheduled for Sept. 3 where tax‑cap options and millage procedures will be discussed.

Ending: Council took public comment, directed staff to produce clarifying follow‑up materials and scheduled final ordinance adoption at the Sept. 9 council meeting.