Friday, January 24, 2003

Budget passes despite opposition from Kenn, Lowe and Fulton

Last week, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved a $614.4 million for the county's 2003 general fund. This is an increase of 2.4 percent from the previous year.

A reserve of $52.8 million was established. This fund balance represents 8.6 percent of the total budget and falls within the board's established policy of maintaining a minimum 8.3 percent reserve.

The general fund supports county-wide services such as the Criminal Justice System, health and human services, Grady Health System, senior centers, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, arts programs, tax assessments and collections, and elections.

The budget was supported by Vice Chair William "Bill" Edwards, Commissioners Nancy A. Boxill, Emma I. Darnell and Robb Pitts. Voting against the 2003 general fund budget were chair Mike Kenn and Commissioners Tom Lowe and Bob Fulton.

Budget highlights include $5.7 million to renovate the county's Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center located at 265 Boulevard, NE, Atlanta. The approximately 50,000-square-foot state-of-the art facility will house an out-patient center providing substance abuse, mental health, and physical health.

Funding of $3.6 million will build Phase II of the Southwest Fulton Performing Arts Center, located at 915 New Hope Road. When completed, the 23,500-square-foot addition will feature a 350-seat theater.

Other capital projects include $3.1 million for a new Fairburn Senior Center, $1.4 million to complete funding for north Fulton's Ocee Library branch, $6 million for county-wide equipment replacement, and $5.5 million for roads in unincorporated Fulton County.

The board approved $149.8 million in operational funding for agencies and departments supporting health and human services. This represents 24.4 percent of the 2003 budget.

Of that total, $80.6 million is for the Grady Health System, $25.8 million is for the Human Services Department, $16.6 million will go to the Health and Wellness Department, $12.1 million is for the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Disease Department, and $14.7 million is slated for the Fulton County Department of Family and Children and Services.

In 2003, the County will commit $179.9 million to the Criminal Justice System, which represents 29.3 percent of the 2003 budget. The sheriff's department and the county jail, the largest element within the Criminal Justice System, will receive $78.1 million.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is slated to receive $30.8 million and the Arts Council will get $5.7 million.

Other key elements of the General Fund include reduced funding for temporary employees and an employee hiring freeze.

The Special Services District Fund, which supports municipal-type services to Fulton residents living in unincorporated areas, will get $109.4 million with $6.8 million in reserve.

The 2003 budget includes a 2 percent salary increase for county employees effective in January.

The 2003 County General Fund millage rate will not be set until June, but this budget does not contemplate any increase from the previous year.