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Brookhaven manager presents $42.7M 2026 budget, flags structural pressure from homestead exemption
Summary
City Manager Christian Sigman presented a proposed $42.7 million general fund budget for 2026, outlined major cost drivers and proposed charter changes, and warned the homestead exemption freeze is constraining long‑term finances; public hearings are scheduled Nov. 5 and Nov. 18.
City Manager Christian Sigman on Oct. 21 presented the City of Brookhaven's proposed 2026 operating and capital budget, saying the general fund plan totals $42,700,000 and equates to roughly $717 per resident. "Why do a budget? Because the charter says we have to do it," Sigman said as he opened a detailed presentation of revenues, expense drivers and proposed policy changes.
Sigman told the council most revenue comes from property tax and that Brookhaven's share of a typical tax bill is about 7 percent. The presentation included a recommended planning millage of 3.54 mills (the current city millage is 2.74 mills) as one scenario to balance projected expenditures. Sigman said a range of cost pressures are driving the gap between revenue and expenses.
Key cost drivers cited in the…
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