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Cusseta–Chattahoochee commission adopts FY2025 budget after two public hearings
Summary
After two public hearings and work‑session deliberations, the Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Commission voted unanimously on June 24, 2024, to adopt the fiscal year 2025 operating and capital budget. County officials said cuts and use of reserves narrowed an initial multi‑million‑dollar shortfall.
The Commission of the Unified Government of Cusseta–Chattahoochee County voted unanimously on June 24 to adopt the fiscal year 2025 operating and capital budget following two public hearings and multiple work sessions.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners the budget began with a gap of about $2,000,000 when departments submitted requests and that a series of line‑item reductions and adjustments had narrowed that shortfall over several meetings. Weaver described intermediate figures during the June 4 hearing (including reductions to about $621,000 after earlier cuts) and said at the June 24 hearing the remaining shortfall was roughly $198,000. "We started with a deficit of around $2,000,000 and now we are down to $198,000," Weaver said, adding staff will continue adjustments and aim for a balanced budget by the end of the fiscal year.
Chairman Charles Coffey praised Weaver's work on reducing the deficit but warned that balancing the budget ultimately requires either cutting expenses or raising taxes. "If we are going to have to start going into the reserve to balance the budget there are two fixes to it, either cutting expenses or raising taxes," Coffey said, urging transparency when departments request amendments.
The called meeting record shows Commissioner Timothy Biddle moved to adopt the budget; Commissioner Gerald Douglas seconded, and the vote was recorded as unanimous. The minutes also note the adoption was certified at the Commission's July 2 regular meeting.
Commission discussion during earlier hearings and work sessions focused on large departmental cost centers, notably Public Safety and the newly established EMS program, and on the need for a contingency plan. Weaver told commissioners he preferred to avoid further ad hoc cuts without measured analysis. Several commissioners suggested staffing efficiencies such as floating positions to cover multiple offices.
Next steps: the adopted budget takes effect July 1, 2024. Commissioners said any departments or constitutional officers that exceed their budgets will be required to request amendments publicly and explain the need before the Commission.
