Dawsonville officials introduce proposed FY2026–27 budget, ask council to review before June 15

Finance director Robin Gazzaway presented the Dawsonville City Council with the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget during the work session on May 18, providing a schedule, a summary and a detailed budget document for council review. She told the council the proposed budget does not incorporate the pending water/sewer rate study and asked members to review materials together and raise questions.

The budget presentation was framed as a package of materials placed on council desks; Gazzaway said the last day to make formal changes would be before the June 15 meeting if council chooses to revise the draft. Mayor John Wald urged council members to review the draft collaboratively and consult with the city manager on any questions.

Why it matters: the budget sets tax, fee and spending priorities for the coming fiscal year and will need to be adjusted if the rate study leads to recommended revenue changes. The finance director’s notice that the rate study is not yet incorporated signals the possibility of later adjustments before final adoption.

Council members did not take a final vote on the budget at the May 18 meeting; the item remained in the work session for review with a procedural deadline referenced for June 15. No specific revenue or expenditure totals were stated on the record at the May 18 discussion; the packet contains the detailed figures referenced by staff.