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Cusseta‑Chattahoochee commission adopts FY2025 budget after two public hearings; shortfall covered from reserves
Summary
After two public hearings and work‑session review, the commission voted unanimously June 24 to adopt the FY2025 budget. County officials said cuts and reserve use will bridge a remaining shortfall after line‑item reductions lowered an earlier $2 million gap.
The Commission of the Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County voted unanimously on June 24, 2024, to adopt the fiscal year 2025 operating and capital budget, approving a plan that uses reserve funds to close a remaining shortfall.
County Manager Thomas Weaver said the county began the budget cycle ‘‘just shy $2,000,000.00 over budget’’ compared with projected revenues and that subsequent line‑item adjustments had reduced the deficit to about $621,000 at one point and later to roughly $198,000. Weaver told the commission the budget now projects just under $5 million in revenues against roughly $5,153,475 in proposed expenditures and recommended covering the gap from reserves rather than making additional, rapid cuts that he said would be poorly informed.
Chairman Charles Coffey praised Weaver for the reductions but said commissioners must examine large spending areas — specifically public safety and the new EMS line — before further spending is allowed. Coffey told residents the commission faces two choices if reserves are used: deeper cuts or higher taxes.
Commissioners emphasized transparency for future amendments. Coffey said departments and constitutional officers will be expected to present any amendment requests publicly and explain why additional funds are needed. Commissioner Jason Frost recommended exploring cross‑training or a “floater” staff position to ease staffing pressures across multiple offices.
The commission held two budget public hearings (June 4 and June 24) and a work session to consider cuts, grant receipts and line‑item changes before taking the final vote in a called meeting on June 24. The motion to approve the FY2025 budget was made by Commissioner Timothy Biddle, seconded by Commissioner Gerald Douglas, and carried unanimously.
Next steps outlined in the minutes include department‑level accountability for overspending, monitoring of grant and LMIG receipts, and possible future amendments if revenues fall short of projections.
