Barnesville adopts 2021–22 budget, raises commercial dumpster fees and house-removal charge; approves TSPLOST allocation and closes CDBG project

Barnesville’s City Council adopted the 2021–22 operating budget, set the 2021 millage rate at 3.609 mills, and approved several fee adjustments after a series of hearings and workshops.

At a budget workshop on August 25, 2021 Acting City Manager Tim Turner presented a conservative proposed budget of $16,393,022 and recommended changes to the city fee schedule. Councilmembers limited increases to commercial dumpster fees during the workshop; after further readings the council adopted Ordinance No. 585 to raise commercial dumpster fees and to raise the house-removal fee from $1,500 to $2,000, effective January 1, 2022. The budget (Ordinance No. 584) was adopted following a second reading in September and approval in a special called meeting in early September 2021.

In intergovernmental business, Barnesville participated in a countywide meeting about a proposed Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST). The four local governments agreed to an allocation formula if voters approve the tax: Lamar County 57%, City of Barnesville 36%, City of Milner 4% and Town of Aldora 3%. The council adopted the intergovernmental agreement and a corresponding resolution.

The city also closed out its FY2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) target-area project: Jackson Street and surrounding lines were rehabilitated and replaced, serving 64 residents (95% low to moderate income) at a total project cost of $1,059,725.02. Staff also discussed American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds and noted that smaller cities must apply for allocations; City Accountant Tammy York cautioned staff and council to await final guidance while the city prepares an internal committee for allocation decisions.

Council accepted the independent audit for FY2019–2020 and approved administrative steps related to MEAG contract amendments and other resolutions as recorded in the minutes.