Council approves $25,000 supplemental request for Christmas Commission

The Newnan City Council approved a supplemental $25,000 request Sept. 9 to cover unexpected expenses for the Christmas Commission’s 2025 season.

Commission representatives Carol (as recorded) Beckwith and Miss Vowel told the council the additional funds are needed because of unanticipated repairs and higher labor and shipping costs. The request itemized $12,118.54 for installation of decorations on city buildings, bridges, parks and cemetery; $1,800 for replacement of roundabout decorations on Grayson Trail; and an item reported in the transcript as $10.81 for new ornaments for the Court Square tree. The commission said the remaining balance would cover increased costs associated with removing and reinstalling downtown tree lights, plus higher shipping and tariff-related expenses.

Councilmember Phillips suggested exploring whether the organizers of the Rock and Roll Festival could contribute toward future repair costs; commission representatives said the wear resulted from normal use and biennial removal and reinstallation of tree lighting. City Manager explained the additional $25,000 would be covered by projected revenues in the 2025 budget and would be handled through an amendment to a revenue category rather than by drawing on fund balance.

The council approved the Supplemental appropriation by voice vote. Councilmembers praised the downtown lighting and noted it draws visitors year round. The transcript contains a numerical line-item that appears to be mis-transcribed ($10.81); the city should confirm that figure for the official record.