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Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County holds budget hearings, cites insurance spike and SPLOST for vehicle needs
Summary
County managers told commissioners at May public hearings that insurance cost updates and equipment needs have pushed the tentative FY25/26 budget to a contingency balance of about $59,000; commissioners approved several routine items, tabled a proposed garbage rate increase and authorized a TSPLOST purchase of a tractor.
The Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County advanced its budget work this month as commissioners grappled with higher insurance estimates and equipment needs tied to SPLOST funding.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told the commission at a May 6 public hearing that staff had “overall reduced the budget, to the part where we have a deficit of 21,830.00,” and gave commissioners updated handouts on line‑item changes and capital outlay plans. At a May 27 follow‑up hearing he said new insurance information had raised the contingency to about $59,000, and that staff were continuing to pursue lower rates after changing brokers following a 49% increase quoted by the prior broker.
The budget discussion centered on tight departmental operating lines and planned capital work funded through SPLOST. Weaver told the board that the 2020 SPLOST includes capital needs such as vehicle replacements and courthouse projects and that the 2025 SPLOST already is providing receipts for planned work. He said departments that need vehicles or special project funding would be asked to use SPLOST where appropriate.
Commissioners also discussed shifting an existing sheriff’s vehicle to public works. Chairman Charles Coffey asked whether trading and receiving a black F‑150 from the sheriff “would help public works,” and Weaver said he would approach the sheriff about a possible trade.
On procurement, the Commission approved a purchase of a batwing tractor funded with TSPLOST dollars after voting unanimously on May 6. The Carson Brothers proposal on file listed a 2023 New Holland Workmaster 95 at $40,681 (tax exempt; freight included). The minutes record a motion to accept the lower Carson Brothers quote, made by Commissioner Timothy Biddle and seconded by Commissioner Gerald Douglas; the vote was unanimous.
Other board actions at the May meetings included adoption of a proclamation honoring the late Milton “Wade” Coleman and a unanimous resolution adding County Manager Thomas Weaver as an authorized signer on the Unified Government’s Ozark Bank accounts. A proposed increase in garbage rates was tabled so staff could research the cost of returning commercial trash service to county operation; Commissioner Jason Frost made the motion to table and Commissioner Damon Hoyte seconded it.
The board entered executive session May 6 at 9:35 a.m. to consult with counsel and discuss personnel and legal matters permitted under Georgia law and reconvened at 10:23 a.m., with the chairman certifying that the closed session topics met the legal exceptions and that no votes were taken during the closed portion.
The Commission indicated it will finalize the FY25/26 budget after receipt of outstanding insurance figures and other clarifications; staff told the board that additional department requests for vehicles or capital projects will be handled through SPLOST or subsequent budget amendments. The board adjourned its May 6 and May 27 hearings without further public comment.
