Roswell council approves first reading of $229.99 million FY2026 budget; second reading set for Oct. 27

The City of Roswell mayor and council on Oct. 20 approved the first reading of a $229,987,271 budget for fiscal year 2026, with a 5-0 vote to advance the measure to a second reading and final adoption scheduled for Oct. 27.

City Administrator Randy Knighton and Director of Finance Adam Novotny presented the budget as balanced and without any staff reductions. "Our proposed budget is in balance with, revenues meeting expenses, and there is no reduction in headcount for staff," Novotny told the council during the presentation.

Why this matters: The proposed spending plan funds several capital projects and operating priorities that affect services and taxes in Roswell. Key items highlighted by staff included a $4,000,000 citywide resurfacing program, funding to transition the fire department to full time with 30 additional firefighters planned for 2026, and a $7,000,000 roof replacement for City Hall proposed to be financed through the Public Finance Authority (PFA). Novotny said a millage rate of 4.949 mills is estimated as part of the proposed budget, split as an estimated 4.049 mills for the general fund and 0.900 mills for bonded indebtedness; the council will set the millage rate later, before tax bills are issued.

Budget details and capital priorities - Total proposed budget: $229,987,271 across all city funds. The presentation listed the general fund, water and sewer, stormwater, solid waste, recreation participation and multiple internal funds as components of that total. - General fund highlights: projected general fund revenue of about…