Villarrica adopts $56.7 million FY2026 budget; staff says North Bypass expected to open in October

The Villarrica council adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget on Sept. 9, setting total appropriations at $56,742,285. Interim Finance Director Amanda Long said the city held required budget workshops and public hearings and recommended adoption; the council approved the budget by unanimous voice vote. City staff also provided a multi-project update. Interim Deputy City Manager John Bain reported construction plans are complete for the Villarrica Parkway project, right-of-way acquisitions are underway on several projects, and the North Bypass construction by ASTRA Construction is nearing completion. Bain said ASTRA has a contract time extension through November but staff expect the bypass to be open in October pending final signs, striping, grassing and matting. Bain also listed other projects: a $1.1 million grant-funded north downtown streetscape with a $286,000 match (preliminary design and railroad coordination are pending), Church Street and Temple Street paving completed, a culvert replacement under West Industrial Court was on the consent agenda, and the city is advancing small in-house projects such as a downtown gym parking expansion and pickleball-court grading. Council members noted the bypass opening is a significant milestone that will change downtown circulation and facilitate future streetscape projects. The council did not adopt any additional appropriations tied specifically to the bypass during the meeting.