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Peachtree City presents FY26 proposed $58.4M budget; staff recommends 2% COLA, hires and conservative revenue assumptions
Summary
City staff proposed a $58.406 million general-fund budget for fiscal 2026 that maintains service levels, recommends a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), three additional firefighter hires (half-year), police reclassifications and conservative revenue estimates tied to local policy changes.
City staff presented the manager's proposed FY26 budget at the Peachtree City work session, recommending a $58,406,380 general-fund plan that staff said balances revenues and expenses without drawing on reserves.
Key proposals and drivers highlighted: a proposed 2% COLA for employees, three additional firefighter positions (budgeted half-year in FY26 to reduce near-term cost), and three police reclassifications (two lieutenants to captains and an administrative coordinator to an administrative manager). Director Kelly Bush summarized personnel and operating drivers: "We're proposing a 2% cola..." and said health-insurance and electricity cost increases were material budget drivers.
Staff emphasized a conservative revenue posture tied to House Bill 581 (the state homestead assessment freeze) and other changes; they proposed keeping the millage rate flat and noted that growth would come mainly from new construction and non-homestead parcels. The presentation included a multi-year forecast showing a fund-balance reserve north of 50% over the five-year outlook and recommended maintaining a strong reserve position to preserve credit rating and operational flexibility.
Capital and fund-specific items: staff proposed modest capital funding for facilities maintenance, IT lifecycle replacements and financed vehicle/equipment replacement on a five-year rotation. The stormwater fund and amphitheatre enterprise budgets were presented with planned renewal and extension projects and reinvestment supported by user fees and transfers. Staff also reported that ARPA-funded projects are completed or under contract.
Why it matters: The package keeps core public-safety and maintenance services intact while proposing modest market-competitive pay increases and limited new hires to address staffing needs; the council will consider formal millage and budget hearings in July/August under the city’s calendar.
Ending: Staff asked for council feedback and confirmed the public hearing and notice calendar; they will return with the formal millage ordinance and additional detail as required by state law.
