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Mayor: state lawmakers withdrew Milton—s appropriations requests this session; city to reassess options
Summary
Mayor Heather Lindsay told the council that Representative Mahaney declined to file attestation forms for the city—s state appropriations requests and Senator Gates will not file the city—s local funding initiative requests this session, removing Milton from consideration for those state funds.
Mayor Heather Lindsay told the council on March 11 that the City of Milton—s legislative appropriations requests will not be pursued this session after a state representative and senator declined to file the necessary forms.
"I regret to tell you that that's what has occurred, but there will not be any appropriations request for Milton considered," Mayor Lindsay said, summarizing a series of conversations with state lawmakers.
Timeline presented by Lindsay: requests were prepared with the city—s lobbyists and submitted to Representative Mahaney on Jan. 27, 2025, and companion local funding initiative requests were submitted to Senator Gates on Feb. 13, 2025. An attestation form required by House rules had to be filed by early March; on March 6 the city—s lobbyist was told Representative Mahaney would not submit the attestation forms and that the requests would be withdrawn. Lindsay said she later spoke with Senator Gates, who told her he would not file Milton—s requests and that he had set his own priorities for the session.
Why it matters: the appropriations requests were intended to support city projects; their withdrawal removes a state funding path for Milton this legislative session. Lindsay said the city had followed procedure and that the decisions by the lawmakers were unexpected.
City Manager Miles Spears and the mayor said staff and the city—s lobbyists can supply the list of projects that lobbyists believe are being advanced in the session and will continue to pursue opportunities where possible. Lindsay said she had asked Senator Gates to identify alternatives or to allow appeals; she received no promise of further action.
Next steps: the mayor said she and staff will continue to monitor the legislative calendar, pursue conversations with state offices and, if appropriate, request a special meeting to consider a formal council position or resolution. Lindsay also invited council members to coordinate with staff and the city—s lobbyists on priority positions so staff can respond quickly when bills arise.
Ending: The mayor characterized the outcome as disappointing and told the council staff will provide updates and share the list of projects that lobbyists are tracking.
