Mableton reports midyear surplus; business-license revenue tracks above projections

Mableton city manager and finance contractor Dawn Glendon told the council on Jan. 22 that the city recorded revenues of $3,954,062 for the second quarter (October–December 2024) and expenditures of about $3,009,827 for the first six months, producing a year‑to‑date surplus.

Glendon said motor‑vehicle (TAVT) receipts averaged north of $200,000 per month in the quarter and franchise and hotel‑motel taxes contributed materially to collections. She recommended reclassifying several professional‑services and rental‑equipment charges that had been recorded during the system migration so financial statements more accurately reflect capital versus operating spending.

Business‑license supervisor Juliana Njoku reported that business‑license revenue is tracking at about 90% of the city's feasibility estimate for the renewal period. Njoku credited two permitting technicians and process changes — including more proactive front‑desk customer service and follow‑up with Cobb County records — for the improved intake. She said $1,312,263 had been collected in the first six months toward business‑license receipts and that more checks remained in process.

Councilmembers asked staff to return on Feb. 10 and then again with the next quarterly packet in April to present a spending‑plan comparison and a projection of revenues and expected expenditures for the remainder of FY2025. City staff said capital purchases completed in January (including three trucks) are not yet reflected in the Q1–Q2 reports and will be captured in future reports.

The council did not take formal budgetary action at the meeting; members asked staff for follow‑up detail on a high professional‑services payment in October and on timing for natural‑gas franchise receipts.

For transparency, the city manager and finance lead said several routine reclassifications would be made in the next report to separate rental equipment, office rent and capital build‑out payments.

Ending: The council scheduled a spending‑plan review for Feb. 10 and a follow‑up quarterly presentation in April; finance staff will supply reclassifications and transaction detail requested by council.