City finance staff presented the proposed FY 2026 budget to Canton’s mayor and council on July 3, describing a proposed property tax rate cut, a sizable capital program and limited staffing additions and compensation adjustments; council set a public hearing for July 17.

Finance presenter (identified in the packet as Mister Luckett) said the proposed budget is balanced, funds core services and proposes a millage reduction from 5.40 to 5.25 mills. The FY 2026 all‑funds budget is presented at about $94.7 million, with approximately $41.8 million recommended for capital investment—primarily water and sewer, SPLOST and impact‑fee projects. Luckett said the city’s digest grew about 7.5% year‑over‑year (preliminary assessor numbers), with roughly 4% from new construction; the new floating homestead exemption reduced taxable value by roughly $39 million and reduced city tax revenue by an estimated $200,000.

Key elements in the FY 2026 proposal included: a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment plus step increases tied to hire/anniversary dates; three new full‑time positions and one reduction for a net increase of two positions overall; sustained funding for public safety ambassadors approved in FY 2025; a recommended 2.5% water and sewer rate increase and a proposed $0.50 monthly increase in the stormwater fee (from $1.25 to $1.75). The budget adds support for a countywide technology cooperative for public safety software and a new special events fund funded by the unrestricted portion of hotel‑motel taxes and rental car taxes.

Major capital projects highlighted included $6 million for South Canton Park construction (year 1), $4.6 million for the River Mill pedestrian bridge, about $2 million for River Mill trail completion and transportation items including West Main‑to‑Mill pedestrian corridor design and signal projects. The budget book, staff said, will be posted on the city website and the city plans a public hearing on the proposed budget on July 17 and budget adoption on August 7 along with the millage rate.

Council members thanked staff for the presentation. No adoption occurred at the July 3 meeting; the council will hold a public hearing and subsequent adoption steps in July and August as required.