Sugar Hill City Council has given its approval to the 2017 operating and capital improvement budget, which will include work on the city's EpiCenter Project.
The general fund budget totals about $11.5-million, while the capital improvement budget totals $7.275-million, according to Paul Radford, city manager.
"The budget, overall, represents about a 6.7-percent increase. Key elements are, obviously, health care costs, and a compensation adjustment for employees," said Radford in a phone interview.
Construction will continue on the EpiCenter project, which broke ground in June 2016; the project, located on West Broad Street next to city hall, will include a performing arts center, multi-purpose gymnasium and 40-thousand square feet of office, retail and restaurant space.
"The EpiCenter will be (finished) in the first quarter, 2018," said Radford. "Substantial completion by the end of 2017. We should occupy it no later than February or March of 2018."
The $30-million project is funded by SPLOST, bonds and cash from the city.
Council approved the budget at its meeting Monday night, which was the second and final required public hearing.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/12/482188/sugar-hill-approves-2017-capital-improvement-budget-which-includes-work-on-epicenter-project