Johns Creek adopts FY2026 budget after heated debate over reallocating $5 million for public safety

The Johns Creek City Council voted to adopt the city—Y2026 budget after an extended and at times contentious debate over revenue assumptions, transparency and a proposed amendment to reallocate funds from the proposed performing arts center (PAC).

Councilwoman Stacy Skinner proposed a late amendment that would have reduced the local-option sales-tax revenue projection by $2 million, removed $5 million slated for PAC construction documents and redirected that money to public-safety needs including four police positions, vehicle purchases and fire apparatus. "These changes are critical for the future of Johns Creek," Skinner said when she introduced the amendment, outlining specific dollar amounts for officers, vehicles and equipment.

Assistant City Manager Love had earlier described the proposed FY2026 budget as balanced, citing a total of $87,621,954 across funds and a general-fund unassigned balance estimated at $30,800,000. The proposed budget included $5,000,000 for PAC construction documents pending the outcome of a bond referendum in November and listed public safety as a priority area. The presentation described the top revenue sources and said staff developed the budget through a tiered prioritization process.

Supporters of the amendment said memos from department chiefs documented urgent public-safety needs. "The chief makes an elaborate case," one council member said, summarizing a police memo reportedly provided to some council members. Members who opposed the amendment said it was sprung on the body at the last minute, lacked printed documentation for all councilors and would short-circuit the deliberative budget process after weeks of work sessions. "If this was so important, it would have been laid out well in advance," Mayor Bradbury said, criticizing the timing of the proposal.

City staff answered substantive questions on specific items. A staff speaker told the council that some of the vehicles Skinner sought to accelerate had already been replaced on the city's vehicle-replacement schedule or were previously surplused; staff also said Johns Creek is partnering with American Medical Response for regional transport-capable services rather than buying a new transport vehicle. Assistant City Manager Love explained how departments' requests were tiered during the budget process and said the tiers reflect prioritization conducted by staff.

After lengthy debate about assumptions (members notably disagreed about a projected 9% increase in local-option sales tax), transparency, and the timing of reallocation, the council voted on the amendment; the chair announced, "The amendment fails." The council then returned to the main motion to adopt ordinance 2025-O9-26 (the FY2026 budget) and approved it as presented. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally in the public record.

Residents who spoke during the public-comment periods urged the council to fund first responders and to be accountable. "You owe that to our city and our departments," Ditra Pickens told the council during general public comment, arguing that investment in police and fire should take precedence over discretionary projects.

Next steps recorded on the record included the November bond referendum for the PAC and council discussion that surplus funds would be allocated within about 60 days after year close if the bond fails, giving the council a later opportunity to reassign those dollars.