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Cusseta–Chattahoochee County reviews budget as insurance quote raises contingency
Summary
At May budget hearings, County Manager Thomas Weaver reported a $21,830 shortfall in an earlier draft and later said an insurer’s quote pushed the county’s contingency to about $59,000; commissioners discussed using SPLOST for vehicle replacements and trading a sheriff’s vehicle to help public works.
The Unified Government of Cusseta–Chattahoochee County held two budget public hearings in May 2025 as officials worked to close a remaining gap in the FY2025–26 budget and responded to an unexpected insurance cost increase.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told the commission at a May 6 hearing that staff “have overall reduced the budget, to the part where we have a deficit of $21,830.00,” and that updated handouts were being provided to commissioners. Weaver reviewed capital-outlay items funded by the 2020 SPLOST and noted that anticipated 2025 SPLOST receipts will be a primary source for vehicle and courthouse projects.
At the final budget public hearing on May 27, Weaver said insurance filings from the county’s carrier raised costs and that, after adjusting for the insurance information the county was holding a contingency of about $59,000. He told the board the county had changed brokers after learning of the proposed 49% increase and that the new broker was working to secure lower rates.
Weaver and commissioners discussed using SPLOST dollars to buy or replace public-works equipment and the possibility of taking a trade from the sheriff’s office — a previously discussed Black F-150 — to put into public works. Weaver said he had spoken with the sheriff and would follow up on a possible trade.
During the May 27 work session Weaver also reported operational updates: commercial trash accounts are being required to establish paid service, Magnolia Homes subdivision has two framed houses and a third under way, the Splashpad was expected to open by June 5, and gym-floor work was scheduled for mid-June.
No members of the public spoke at either budget public hearing. Motions to adjourn the May 6 and May 27 hearings were made and passed unanimously.
