Chamblee staff outlines FY2026 midyear update; $500,000 grant included for public works equipment

City finance staff presented the FY2026 midyear budget review at the July 16 meeting, summarizing revenue and expenditure performance through June 30. Daria Kryskis, budget and strategy manager, said the city is operating with a roughly $97 million budget and that the general fund (about $35.9 million) had collected approximately $9.9 million — roughly 28% — which the presentation described as typical because property‑tax receipts arrive later in the year.

Kryskis outlined a proposed amendment that includes $476,000 in primarily one‑time expenditure reductions realized from a staff spending freeze and other savings, and a $500,000 grant for the public‑works department to acquire a rear loader and grapple truck with no local match required. She also said $228,000 of proposed cuts were associated with a sustainability/renewables project as staff explores alternative approaches.

Julie Pirro, finance director, told council auditors identified a variance in the rental motor vehicle fund and recommended reducing a fund‑balance transfer by $50,000 to ensure compliance with Georgia budgeting rules; the city has a state‑approved 30‑day extension and must submit the amended item by August 1.

Council thanked staff for fiscal restraint and asked clarifying questions about stormwater and revenue assumptions. The council did not take an immediate vote on the midyear package at this meeting; staff noted certain items will return for formal action at Tuesday’s meeting where appropriate.