The Flowery Branch City Council Thursday night reviewed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, highlighting a balanced budget and the advent of three new city employee positions.
The three positions set to be added, pending council approval, include an Economic Development Director, a "Department of Fun" Assistant and a Sewer and Wastewater Trainee, according to Finance Director Matt Hamby.
The millage rate proposed for the city will remain the same as prior years, sitting at 3.264.
Projected revenues for Flowery Branch came in at approximately $9.9 million, which is a 14% increase from FY 24. Expenditures for the city came out to be the same as revenues, resulting in a balanced budget, according to city documents.
Within the city's general fund, 30.3%, or approximately $3 million, comes from property taxes. Sales tax within the city accounts for 24.1%, while various other taxes account for 18.5%.
57.7% of the general fund, or approximately $5.7 million, is going toward personal services. Professional and other services account for 21.8% while transfers to capital projects represent 9.8% of the fund expenditure.
General government functions soak up 30.5%, public safety accounts for 31.7% and public works represent 17.2% of fund expenditures as separated by service group. Tourism in the city accounts for 6.9% of expenditures.
As part of the FY 25 proposal, the mayor and city council noted several goals and objectives. Economically, the council hopes to generate more downtown business, upgrade the development codes and initiate the second phase of downtown development.
They also hope to continue updating the city's roadways and pedestrian walkways, while also updating the water and sewer systems.
The Flowery Branch Police Department also noted in the budget proposal their intent to create a Specialized Proactive Enforcement and Response Unit, along with a drone program. They also hope to explore additional pay incentives and benefits for officers.
The "Department of Fun", a name dubbed by city staff for the department that oversees community events, hopes to start quarterly inserts into water bills mailed to residents that detail upcoming events. They also hope to create a plan that will more fully connect the downtown area with the marina on Lake Lanier.
