Clarkesville Council to Consider 2027 Budget, Millage Rate Tuesday

The Clarkesville City Council is expected to take up the city's 2027 budget and set the 2026 property tax millage rate during its regular meeting Tuesday evening.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 3 and will include a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget before council members consider its adoption.

City administrators are recommending a balanced $4.86 million General Fund budget and a full rollback of the city's property tax millage rate from 13.570 mills to 13.558 mills.

According to the city's budget documents, the recommended rollback would result in no property tax increase from reassessment.

The proposed General Fund includes $4,860,700 in both revenues and expenditures. Property taxes are projected to generate approximately $2.06 million, accounting for about 42% of General Fund revenue, while permits, fees, fines, licenses, franchise taxes and other revenue sources are expected to provide the remaining 58%.

Administration represents the largest proposed General Fund expenditure at approximately $2.5 million, followed by the Police Department at $982,214 and the Fire Department at $562,189.

The proposed budget also includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for full-time city employees and accounts for increased health insurance and material costs.

Capital purchases outlined in the budget include vehicles and heavy equipment, replacement water meters and annual payments for police body cameras and Tasers.

In addition to the General Fund, the city is proposing a balanced $2.46 million Enterprise Fund budget covering water, wastewater and sanitation operations.

Following the budget hearing, council members are scheduled to vote separately on adoption of the 2027 budget and the 2026 property tax millage rate.

The council will also consider Resolution 2026-6 establishing the due date for 2026 property taxes.

Monroe Street Property Returns to Agenda

Council members are also scheduled to continue discussions concerning the city's property at 555 Monroe Street with Adam Hazell of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission.

The city has begun working with the regional commission to develop a plan for the property. During an Oct. 27 work session, officials said an initial planning meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19 and will include the mayor and council, Main Street Board, Downtown Development Authority and potentially adjacent property owners.

Additional meetings involving the public are expected to follow.

Tuesday's agenda also includes renewal of several alcohol licenses, committee reports, public comment and the possibility of an executive session.