Barnesville council adopts 2019–20 budget, holds millage steady at 3.799 mills

The City of Barnesville adopted its FY2019–2020 operating budget and set the ad valorem tax rate at 3.799 mills after a public hearing that drew no public comment.

City Manager David K. Rose presented a proposed $15,866,591 budget that represents a roughly 2 percent increase from the prior year. The council approved Ordinance No. 568 setting the 2019 millage at 3.799 — a reduction from the 2018 rate of 3.977 — and then adopted Ordinance No. 569, which adjusts the city’s fee schedule for water and sewer services.

The fee ordinance keeps the base rate the same while increasing consumption-based water and sewer charges by 4 percent and raising tap fees by about 25 percent to reflect higher material costs, officials said. City materials presented at the August budget workshop showed the proposed changes were intended to keep the utility funds solvent while delaying a property tax increase.

Mayor Pro Tem Larry B. Whitworth and Councilmembers noted the city’s financial position — staff and the auditor previously reported strong collections and no general-fund debt — as a reason to avoid increasing the millage. At the September meetings council members gave first readings and later, at a special called meeting on Sept. 5, completed second readings and formal adoption.

What’s next: The council’s action funds municipal operations for the fiscal year beginning in late 2019; staff will proceed with implementation of the fee changes and required customer notifications.