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White City Council adopts FY 2026 budget, funds police vehicles and new public works hire
Summary
The White City City Council unanimously approved the FY 2026 budget Dec. 1, 2025, authorizing two new police vehicles through USDA or GMA financing, funding an additional full‑time public works position, and projecting water rate increases to cover water/sewer supply costs; the meeting also certified local election results and approved a $100 employee holiday bonus.
The White City City Council on Dec. 1, 2025 adopted the FY 2026 budget on a 5-0 vote, approving purchases and staffing additions city leaders said are intended to support public safety and utilities as development adds demand.
Mayor Curtis Powell presented the second reading of the budget, noting the council had held a public hearing the previous Monday. Powell said the adopted plan authorizes acquisition of two new police vehicles, to be financed using U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds and/or Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) financing mechanisms to reduce upfront costs. The budget also includes funding for infrastructure and fleet improvements and authorizes an additional full‑time Public Works employee to support growing service needs, Powell said.
Powell told the council that funding for supplies and equipment for water and sewer services is projected to come from a water rate increase in 2026 and from new customers expected from upcoming development. He also said projected revenue for 2025 exceeded earlier estimates and that proceeds from the planned sale of surplus property would help the city’s fiscal position.
City Clerk Robin Cochran read and the council approved a separate resolution certifying the results of the Nov. 4 election: DJ Bennett received 51 votes and Councilmember Stephanie Nichelson received 57 votes. The certification was approved 5-0.
Clerical and departmental reports included a trash pickup schedule change for the last two weeks of December and a roll‑off container at City Hall for overflow holiday trash. Cochran thanked residents for donations to the city food pantry, which she said has operated two years as of Dec. 1. Police Chief Brad Loyd reported November activity figures to the council: 66 traffic stops, two accidents, 75 calls for service, 278 citizen contacts, 120 business escorts, 297 business checks, 24 citations and 90 warnings.
On separate motions, the council declared a parcel at 75 Richards Road (Parcel W003-0002-002) surplus after determining it served no current public purpose, and approved a $100 Christmas bonus for city employees; both motions passed 5-0.
Votes at a glance • Approval of meeting agenda — Motion: Councilmember Stephanie Nichelson; Second: Councilmember Karissa Noland; Outcome: 5-0 approval. • Approval of Nov. 3 meeting minutes — Motion: Councilmember Jean Swank; Second: Councilmember Gary Crisp; Outcome: 5-0 approval. • Election certification resolution (Nov. 4 election) — Motion: Councilmember Jean Swank; Second: Councilmember Karissa Noland; Outcome: 5-0 approval. Winners certified: DJ Bennett (51 votes); Stephanie Nichelson (57 votes). • FY 2026 Budget adoption — Motion: Councilmember Jean Swank; Second: Councilmember Stephanie Nichelson; Outcome: 5-0 approval. • Surplus property declaration (75 Richards Road, Parcel W003-0002-002) — Motion: Councilmember Gary Crisp; Second: Councilmember Jean Swank; Outcome: 5-0 approval. • Employee holiday bonus ($100) — Motion: Councilmember Stephanie Nichelson; Second: Councilmember Karissa Noland; Outcome: 5-0 approval. • Adjournment — Motion: Councilmember Stephanie Nichelson; Second: Councilmember Jean Swank; Outcome: 5-0 approval; meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
The budget resolution and related authorizations take effect according to the administrative timeline set by city staff; the council did not set an implementation date during the meeting. Further administrative steps on the surplus property and financing for vehicle purchases were not specified at the meeting.
