Canton council adopts FY2026 budget, approves zoning corrections, land bank IGA and several transportation contracts

The City of Canton council voted on a package of budget, land‑use and transportation items at its Aug. 7 regular meeting, approving the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget and several contract and intergovernmental actions.

Budget and tax rate: The council adopted the FY2026 budget as presented and approved a millage rate reduction from 5.40 mills to 5.25 mills. Staff told council the all‑funds FY2026 budget is about $94.7 million and the general fund is proposed at $30.5 million. The budget includes roughly $42 million in capital projects, funding for three new positions, a proposed employee compensation increase and minor utility rate adjustments (a 2.5% water/sewer increase and a $0.50 monthly stormwater utility increase from $1.25 to $1.75).

Zoning map amendments: Council approved corrections to the official City of Canton zoning map reflecting historical zoning errors and incompatibilities with the development code. Staff said the amendments were discussed at prior meetings and that the public hearing at the previous meeting produced no speakers for or against.

Cherokee Regional Land Bank: Council approved an intergovernmental contract (IGA) establishing the…