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Roswell council approves 2026 midyear budget amendment after debate over staffing and stormwater priorities
Summary
The Roswell mayor and council on July 13 approved a midyear amendment to the 2026 budget to realign revenues and expenses; the measure passed 4–2 after council members debated staffing increases and whether stormwater needs were adequately addressed.
Roswell — The City of Roswell council voted 4–2 on July 13 to approve a FY2026 midyear budget amendment that officials said aligns the year’s spending to updated revenues and operational needs while keeping the city’s budget balanced.
Adam Novotny, the city’s director of finance, told the council the amendment covers several categories including public safety staffing and emergency readiness, parks and summer operations, ADA accessibility improvements, and a new grants manager position. "The net impact to the budget is $0 overall," Novotny said, describing funding from higher‑than‑expected sales tax and insurance premium tax receipts, short‑term rental revenue, IT fund balance and reimbursements.
The amendment drew questions from the public and criticism from some council members. Roman Pirzak asked for clarification of the line items, specifically the insurance premium tax increase and the components of the sales tax revenue. "Can you explain to me what the insurance premium revenue increase is?" Pirzak asked; Novotny explained insurance premium tax is charged on insurance premiums and that the projection mirrors 2025 receipts.
Council member Christine Hall said the process had not been sufficiently transparent and objected to higher staffing costs in the mayor’s office. "During the previous administration, four‑year staffing compensation packages were about $750,000. They've ballooned over to $2,100,000 for the next four years," Hall said, and added, "I cannot support this budget and that's why I'll be voting no."
Mayor Pro Tem Scribe Beeson and other supporters described the midyear amendment as a routine adjustment to reflect changed revenue and operational needs. Beeson said similar midyear actions had been taken in prior years and defended the additions as standard practice.
Council member Erin Brumley seconded the motion to approve the amendment; the council recorded four votes in favor and two opposed and approved the measure. Novotny said the amendment preserves staffing for public safety stabilization and restores several operational services and infrastructure needs.
The council did not identify immediate implementation tasks beyond the usual budgeting process; departments will proceed to implement the approved adjustments under the city’s administrative procedures. The meeting adjourned after the council completed the full agenda.
