It was a done deal July 19 as Fayetteville City Council adopted the 2008 budget, approved rate increases for water and sewer services and approved conditions for residential parking. The council also heard the first reading of two annexation requests on Ga. Highway 54 West.

The adoption of the budget and holding the millage rate steady at 2.99 mills amounts to a 3.32 percent tax increase due to growth and reassessments.

The $10.12 million General Fund budget represented a 4.26 percent increase over 2007. New staff positions were budgeted for six months and included three full-time firefighters, a public works facility coordinator, a part-time human resources administrative assistant and two police department employees, including a school resource officer and a support services staffer.

Water and Sewer is proposed to add three and one-half positions, including one stormwater position, one wastewater operator, a maintenance worker and one part-time customer service representative that would convert to full time.

Though the millage rate remained at 2.99, the increases from growth and reassessments and the subsequent value of a mill effectively amounts to a net tax increase of 3.32 percent. Public hearings on the tax increase will be held at city hall July 26 at 6 p.m. and on Aug. 2 at 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The council also approved the second increase in water and sewer rates in as many years. The rate structure shows the residential cost for water at $15.85 for the 2,000 gallon base rate in 2007 going to $17.40 in 2008. Water prices for seniors, with a base rate set at 3,000 gallons, would go from $13.87 this year to $15.23 in 2008. Commercial water rates are currently $25 for the first 2,000 gallons and are proposed to increase to $29.50.

Sewer rates will see a similar increase, with the base residential rate going from $14 in 2007 to $15.50 in 2008. Sewer rates for seniors in 2007 are $12.20 and proposed at $15.23 next year. Commercial sewer rates will also increase from the current base at $25 to $27.50 in 2008.

Council members heard the first reading of annexation and rezoning requests for two properties near Piedmont Fayette Hospital. The Dogwood Forest proposal concerns a 46,000 square-foot facility located on 4.87 acres at 1297 Hwy. 54 West. approval will be considered at the Aug. 2 meeting.

The Group VI proposal located at a 3.85-acre site at 1231 Hwy. 54 West included the construction of a 40,000-square-foot, three-story medical office building. The building is expected to serve as tenant space for professional practices wanting to locate near the hospital.

Council members also gave approval to the much discussed residential parking ordinance. The council agreed not to put a limit on the number of vehicles parked at a residence. Council members also agreed that parking did not have to be solely on impervious surfaces, though they prohibited parking in front yards.

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