Friday, September 20, 2002

Fairburn closer to approving budget

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

It's one public hearing down, and two more to go before Fairburn's budget is approved for next year.

City administrator Jim Williams said this year's $13 million budget is going to require a 1.5 mils property tax hike, and a water rate increase to generate $250,000 to balance this year's budget.

Because of the tax hike, the city is required to stage three public hearings to get the citizens' reactions.

"It's going to be about a $15 tax hike for residents that have a $100,000 home," he said.

One of the reasons for the tax hike is lower-than-expected revenues from sales tax dollars this year.

"We think we've hit a plateau.. hopefully, next year, the tax dollars will be slightly higher, but we don't think they will decrease," he said.

The next public hearing on the budget is set for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Monday night, with final approval expected Sept. 30. Williams said.