Athens-Clarke County’s Budget Expansion Focuses on Public Safety and Employee Compensation
The Athens-Clarke County Mayor, Kelly Girtz, has unveiled a significant budget proposal, marking an increase in financial allocation to $212.5 million for General Fund Operating and Capital Expenses. This proposal reflects an increase of over $10 million compared to the previous year. The comprehensive budget, which includes all funds, amounts to $377.3 million, representing a rise of more than $30 million from the last fiscal year. Notably, the millage rate for property taxes remains stable at 12.25 mills.
The proposed budget emphasizes enhanced expenditure in areas such as public safety, the judicial system, and semi-governmental agencies like Advantage Behavioral Health. Additionally, it accommodates planned salary increments for county employees, indicating a focus on workforce welfare.
Despite concerns raised by County Manager Bob Cowell regarding the county’s expenditure exceeding revenue and advisories against depleting savings in the future, Mayor Girtz’s budget suggests utilizing just under $4 million from the Fund Balance. This is a significant reduction from the nearly $11 million withdrawn the previous year. Moreover, although there are plans to eliminate certain full-time roles, the overall number of full-time positions will see an increase by 10 if the budget is approved.
An interesting aspect of Mayor Girtz’s budget is the restructuring within the county’s administrative framework. The proposal entails replacing the People & Belonging Department with a newly established Office of Community Well-Being & Civil Rights, which will operate under the Manager’s Office. This new division will continue to support community activities such as the Juneteenth celebration. Furthermore, the budget includes the creation of an additional Assistant Manager position.
The Athens-Clarke County Commission is scheduled to conduct a series of public work sessions before adopting the budget on June 9th, set to be effective from July. Residents are encouraged to participate by providing feedback during three scheduled Taxpayer Bill of Rights Hearings.
Athens-Clarke County Commission Budget Meetings:
- May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) 1:00 PM – 120 W. Dougherty Street
- May 14, 2026 (Thursday) 1:00 PM – 120 W. Dougherty Street
- May 20, 2026 (Wednesday) 6:00 PM – Agenda Setting Session – Public Hearing on FY27 Budget, Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TBOR) Hearing #1 – City Hall Commission Chamber
- May 21, 2026 (Thursday) 5:30 PM – Presentations by Quasi-Government Agencies followed by Commission budget review (if needed) – City Hall Commission Chamber
- June 2, 2026 (Tuesday) 6:00 PM following Regular Session (if needed), TBOR #2 – City Hall Commission Chamber
- June 4, 2026 (Thursday) 6:00 PM, TBOR #3 – City Hall Commission Chamber
- June 9, 2026 (Tuesday) 6:00 PM for adoption – City Hall Commission Chamber
