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Turin council sets budget timeline, requests water rate study after audit finding
Summary
Council instructed staff to finalize the 2026 budget for public presentation in May and to aim for adoption of the 2027 budget by September 2026; the mayor requested a water-rate study from the Georgia Rural Water Association after a 2024 audit finding related to water/sewer debt covenants.
At its Jan. 20 meeting, the Turin Town Council set near-term budget planning deadlines and asked for a professional water-rate review after an audit finding.
Mayor Walter Sprouse said the 2026 budget was not passed last fiscal year and asked that a finalized 2026 budget be presented to the public for final approval in May 2026. He also said he wanted the town to complete the 2027 fiscal-year budget approval by September 2026. Councilwomen Kim Barnett and Lydia Wallin were directed to work with the town clerk and the town’s certified public accountant to review the town’s fiscal status and report back to the council.
Sprouse referenced a Mauldin & Jenkins 2024 financial statement finding concerning debt covenants tied to the water and sewer fund loans. In response, the mayor requested the Georgia Rural Water Association conduct a water-rate study at no cost to the town to inform possible rate adjustments. Sprouse said arranging the study was a fiscal-responsibility step following the audit note.
Water Superintendent Russel updated the council on operations: he reported two dated quotes to repaint the town’s water tower and was asked to secure updated bids from the two vendors and add at least one more contractor. He also said he needs access to the old community building to inspect an undocumented septic system; he stated he is certified to perform the inspection. No formal budget appropriation was adopted at the meeting; the council asked staff to return with cost estimates and recommendations.
