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 Cherokee Regional Land Bank. The IGA as described by staff includes Cherokee County and the cities of Canton, Holly Springs and Woodstock as participants; each local government will have one appointment to the land bank board and two at‑large appointments will require joint approval by the participating agencies.

Transportation task orders: Council approved multiple task orders for federally funded transportation projects that require a 20% local match.

- Approved award of Task Order 8 for the Marietta Highway/Riverstone Parkway at Highway 140 intersection project design services to Michael Baker International in the amount stated in the motion ($283,150.13). Staff said the city is responsible for 20% of the cost, with 80% federal funding and 34.2% of the city share to be paid from impact fees.

- Approved award of a task order for design services for the Highway 140 at Reinhardt College Parkway intersection (roundabout project) to Michael Baker International in the amount of $127,703.95. Staff said construction is estimated to begin in 2027 with about two years of construction.

Grant and capital actions: Council authorized city staff to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to help fund an estimated $1.2 million project to raise the water intake at Hickory Flat Creek Reservoir to reduce siltation; staff said the city’s share would be 25% if a grant covering up to 75% is awarded. The council also approved the city’s participation in local safety grants and other budgeted capital projects.

Nonprofit permit fee waiver: Council approved waiving the building‑permit fee of $1,329.75 for Must Ministries to rebuild a demolished home at 226 Old Donaldson Road that had been acquired with Community Development Block Grant funds; Must Ministries will house the displaced family during construction.

Votes at a glance (formal council outcomes on Aug. 7): - Adopt FY2026 budget, fee schedule and budget ordinance — approved (motion: Councilmember McGrew; unanimous; no roll call provided). - Approve amendments to the City of Canton official zoning map — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided). - Approve IGA to create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided). - Approve award of Task Order 8 (Marietta Hwy/Riverstone Pkwy at Hwy 140) to Michael Baker International — approved (motion recorded; unanimous; no roll call provided). - Approve award of design task order (SR 140 at Reinhardt College Pkwy) to Michael Baker International — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided). - Authorize city to apply to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided). - Waive building permit fee for Must Ministries, 226 Old Donaldson Road — approved ($1,329.75; unanimous; no roll call provided).

Items discussed but not finalized: The proposed ADU development‑code amendment closed its public hearing and was left for further action at a future meeting; staff will return with clarifications on interior‑access rules, HOA confirmation language, and parking phrasing. Staff also presented several informational items, including a draft Hickory Flat Highway gateway concept plan and a revised proposal for architectural services for the North Street gateway redevelopment; no final council action was taken on those concept plans at the Aug. 7 meeting.

Councilmembers thanked staff for the proposed budget and for securing federal and state grants that reduce local costs. The council adjourned to an executive session at the end of the meeting.