Brooks takes first reading of FY2027 budget; council seeks itemized administrative details

Town Clerk L. Spohr presented the proposed FY2027 budget during a public hearing, describing totals and revenue sources for the town's first full budget since incorporation. The proposed governmental budget lists $548,684 for General Funds and $180,000 for SPLOST funds; the Enterprise Fund is budgeted at $43,000 covering water and sewer, solid waste and stormwater. Approximately 75% of General Fund revenue, or $413,659, is projected to come from taxes. The millage rate would remain at 1.126 mills and 51% of budgeted expenditures are allocated to Administration. "The cost to upgrade is $4k and then $300.00 per month thereafter," L. Spohr said when describing a proposed $4,000 allocation to make the town website ADA-compliant and a $300 monthly maintenance cost going forward.

Spohr noted several proposed and projected projects, including $20,000 for capital improvement projects, $12,000 to BAR, a $1,000 donation to the Brooks Women's Club, signage and facade work for Town Hall, HVAC and roof work at Hardy Hall and Market Hall, Brooks Chapel HVAC replacement, entry cement repairs, and the purchase of a new tractor for maintenance and cemetery work. She also told the council that 3% of FY2027 expenses would be funded from Fund Balance to build a "30205 Veterans Monument" honoring veterans in the 30205 ZIP code. Resident P. Bradley asked for an itemized administrative budget and a percentage comparison to FY2026; Spohr said she did not have the FY2026 comparison available at the hearing and will provide both the itemized list and the comparison at the next reading. The hearing opened at 6:47 p.m. and closed at 6:50 p.m.