The Flowery Branch City Council approved the budget for the upcoming year at their meeting Thursday, including a flat millage rate that will result in property tax increases for city residents.
The millage rate will remain at 3.264. According to data shown by city officials Thursday, that will mean to a 4.75 percent tax increase which will translate to an average of just over $11 per year.
The fiscal year 2022 budget that was approved will be more than double the 2021 budget at just over $31 million. City Finance Director Alisha Gamble says new projects like the downtown development and an expansion of the sewer plant.
She said the discrepancy between the 2021 and 2022 budgets is also due in part to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If you look at general fund and water and sewer operating fund, we reduced major revenue streams by 20 to 25 percent (last year). We brought those back up to normal level," Gamble said.
The budget also creates several new positions for the city government and police department.
No residents spoke on the budget or millage rate during the public hearing Thursday. Both were approved unanimously by the city council.
