Cusseta–Chattahoochee budget hearings show cuts and an insurance-driven contingency increase

The Commission of the Unified Government of Cusseta–Chattahoochee County heard public budget presentations on May 6 and May 27, 2025, and was told recent spending reductions trimmed a projected deficit while a new insurance estimate increased the contingency.

County Manager Thomas Weaver said the commission’s staff “have overall reduced the budget, to the part where we have a deficit of $21,830,” and later told commissioners that the county’s insurance renewal pushed a contingency estimate to about $59,000 while staff pursue lower quotes after changing brokers. Weaver said the contingency figure could fall as additional insurance numbers arrive.

Why it matters: the county is balancing operating needs with capital replacements — notably vehicles and courthouse work — and prefers to use SPLOST proceeds for major equipment rather than the general fund.

Weaver told the commission that 2020 SPLOST and 2025 SPLOST funds are accounted for in capital‑outlay planning and that some departments have requests for vehicles and equipment that would be funded from SPLOST. He also said staff have discussed trading a sheriff’s vehicle to benefit Public Works, and that the county has circulated updated budget handouts to commissioners.

The commission recorded no public comments at either hearing. Weaver also reported other operational updates during a May 27 work session: outreach to commercial accounts about unpaid trash bills, repairs to 37 municipal light fixtures, progress at the Magnolia Homes subdivision, and a target to open the Splashpad around June 5. On benefits, Weaver told the commission the county’s prior broker cited a roughly 49% rate increase and the county has switched brokers while seeking better options.

Next step: the commission expected to take up final adoption at its next regular meeting (noted in the minutes as the June 3, 2025 regular meeting).