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Brooks council adopts FY2024 budget with 5.3% COLA for staff; millage rate unchanged
Summary
The council approved an amended FY2024 budget that funds a 5.3% cost-of-living increase for town staff from fund balance, leaves the millage at 1.207 mills and records updated revenue projections through May 31, 2023.
The Brooks Town Council unanimously approved its amended FY2024 budget on June 26, adopting a 5.3% cost-of-living adjustment for town staff to be funded from the town’s fund balance and leaving the millage rate at 1.207 mills.
Finance officer Lorey Spohr presented amendments to General Fund revenues and expenses based on revenue updates through May 31, 2023 (sales tax, TAVT and rental income showed increases; property tax receipts were at about 97% of the goal). The revisions added $10,130 to General Fund revenue and expenses to cover the 5.3% COLA increase. Spohr also cited higher-than-expected election costs and updated Consumer Price Index percentages.
During the budget discussion resident Caroline Smith questioned a $12,000 allocation (1.06% of the budget) to BAR and suggested those funds might be spent on walking paths or courts. Maurice Ungaro responded that the 2023 SPLOST-approved projects include $25,000 allocated for improvements to the Brooks Recreation Area and multiple sidewalk projects, and that staff would investigate stormwater infrastructure issues cited on Highway 85 Connector.
Council Member Brian Davis moved to approve the FY2024 budget as amended; Council Member Todd Speer seconded and the motion passed with all members voting in favor, as recorded in the minutes.
The budget keeps existing millage rates in place and uses fund balance to cover the staff COLA; council minutes do not show additional tax increases associated with the action.
