Columbus releases FY27 recommended budget: $42.57 million, 2% COLA for employees; budget review schedule announced

Finance Director Angelica Alexander presented the Columbus FY27 recommended budget to the council and public on April 28, describing a balanced proposal for $42,571,312 in revenues and expenses and a planned 2% cost-of-living adjustment for full-time employees effective July 1; retirees would receive a 1% COLA. Alexander said the recommended plan includes employee health-care budgeting of $8,500 per position and retains the current millage rate while preserving reserves above the Georgia Government Finance Officers recommended minimum.

Alexander told the council the budget reflects an increase in revenues tied to sales taxes and other receipts — roughly $7.6 million more than the prior year across various categories — and that the recommended spending plan remains aligned with the city's strategic priorities. She said the recommended budget keeps the city above its 60‑day policy minimum, noting an internal goal of moving toward a 90‑day fund balance over time.

Key items noted in the presentation: - Recommended budget total: $42,571,312 (revenues and expenses balanced). - Employee compensation: 2% COLA for full-time employees; 1% COLA for retirees; specialty pay for certain police certifications. - Health insurance budgeting: $8,500 per position in the budget. - Reserves: budgeted to remain above the 60‑day GGFO minimum (city currently reporting about 74 days in reserve). - Capital and fees: inclusion of capital item lists, integrated waste fund adjustments (a recommended $2 increase to the integrated waste fee was included), and review of Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) and urban service districts during the year.

Alexander said the city would publish the recommended budget online and that the first public budget review sessions are set for May 5 (9:00 a.m., council chambers), May 12 (department presentations after council), and May 19 (9:00 a.m., Muscogee County School District building). The ordinance readings and taxpayer bill-of-rights hearings are tentatively scheduled for June 2 and subsequent council meetings in June.

Council members pressed for follow-up details on staffing reclassifications, pension review work by the city's consultant, and proposals that could affect long-term maintenance of the pay plan; Alexander and staff said those items will be part of forthcoming budget review sessions with department presentations scheduled for May.