CLARKESVILLE — The Clarkesville City Council voted Monday to adopt the proposed 2017 budget presented by City Manager Barbara Kesler.
The budget, based on the city's current 6.35-mill tax rate, includes a projected shortfall of $28,325, but Councilman Franklin Brown said he believes the city can cover that deficit over the course of the year.
Kesler said the deficit will be funded by the reserve if the city doesn't hold down other expenses by $28,325.
Public hearings on the tiny tax increase created by what Kesler calls "the infinitesimal increase in the tax digest" will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30; 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 (prior to the city council meeting); and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12.
Before adopting the proposed budget, Mayor Barrie Aycock and the council reviewed numbers provided by Kesler looking at possible financial conditions through 2023.
Council members agreed there are some financial challenges ahead, but said there are numerous options available to explore over the next year or so.
