Council adopts FY2027 budget, approves multiple contracts and narrowly approves Red Speed amendment after heated debate

The City Council approved a slate of fiscal and operational items and adopted the FY2027 budget. City manager Eden Freeman presented a budget based on a charter tax rate (4.731 mills), with no proposed tax or fee increases: total budget $1,089,000,000 and a general fund of $170,300,000. After a public hearing with no public speakers on the budget, the council moved and approved the ordinance.

Votes at a glance (motions approved unless noted):

- Meeting agenda approval (motion by Councilmember John Paulson; seconded; outcome: approved). (motion start SEG 1757) - Consent agenda approval (motion by Melissa Mueller; outcome: approved). (SEG 1772) - FY2027 budget adoption, ordinance (motion by John Paulson; seconded by Dr. Kelly; outcome: approved). Budget totals presented: $1,089,000,000 (total) and $170,300,000 (general fund). (SEG 1832–1852) - Adopt 2025 Capital Improvements Element annual update (motion by John Paulson; outcome: approved). (SEG 1888–1896) - General liability and risk policies renewal for FY27 (motion by John Paulson; outcome: approved). Staff reported a 5.59% premium increase and some higher deductibles; switching property coverage to Chubb removed a wind/hail percentage deductible. (SEG 2047–2057) - Renewal of consolidated janitorial services with American Facilities Service for FY27 (motion by John Paulson; outcome: approved). (SEG 2181–2190) - Brandon Mill Road sidewalk change order 3 (final), $29,565.63 (motion by Melissa Mueller; outcome: approved). (SEG 2296–2333) - IGA with Cobb County for restriping of Powers Ferry Road bridge; city contribution ~$3,177.40 (motion by Andrew Chinsky; outcome: approved). (SEG 2424–2436) - Award of guardrail replacement and maintenance contract to Gracie Gray Contractors, $951,063.40 (motion by Mary Ford; outcome: approved). (SEG 2543–2598) - Submission of DOJ COPS FY2026 Technology & Equipment grant for CHATCOM backup 9‑1‑1 (motion by Frank Roberts; outcome: approved). The project aligns with prior congressional directed spending of just over $3,000,000 and requires the COPS application mechanism; no local match required. (SEG 2636–2660) - IGA with the City of Alpharetta to board Sandy Springs inmates (three‑year agreement, renews annually, staff to transport; motion by John Paulson; outcome: approved). (SEG 2728–2753)

Automated school‑zone enforcement (Red Speed): council approved a first amendment to the city’s agreement with Red Speed to extend the contract and preserve renewal options, but the item drew the lengthiest debate. Major Michael Lindstrom presented program results, saying the cameras produced measurable reductions in speeding in school zones and generated revenue that the city may only use for law‑enforcement purposes; he described a low rate of challenges and said the system reduces the need to deploy officers to routine school‑zone enforcement.

Dr. Melody Kelly announced she would vote against the renewal, calling automated ticketing a "blunt instrument" that relies on punishment rather than prevention and expressing concern that profit‑linked deterrents and rapid expansion without clearer hour limits could be problematic. She urged the council to limit hours of enforcement (an hour before and an hour after school) and to ensure illuminated signage and community notice. Major Lindstrom and city staff responded that the program was intended as a safety tool and that officers review camera evidence before citations are issued. City attorney Lee said the statute and city policy control hours of operation and that the council will retain authority to set hours; he also clarified referendum requirements under recent state changes: if the city signs a new contract after July 1, a voter referendum will be required for a new contract in future years.

The amendment to the Red Speed contract passed on a council voice vote with one recorded dissent (Dr. Kelly). Council reported that the city’s net receipts to date are around $393,000 (65% of citations revenue retained by the city per the contract; 35% retained by Red Speed). Several councilmembers pressed for improved signage and transparency when adding new camera locations. The council approved the Red Speed amendment (motion start SEG 2843; vote recorded at SEG 3426–3430).

What’s next: staff will implement the approved contracts, continue the Lucidie platform evaluation and return with timeline and retention policy for AI items; the transportation master plan will return for possible adoption next month; and the council entered executive session for real estate and litigation at the end of the meeting.