"There won't be a tax increase this year," City Manager Bill Andrew said. "We've actually been holding the millage rate here in the city steady for going on seven years now."
Andrew said that has not always been easy with a recession economy, but Flowery Branch managed to expand its tax base.
"Stone Bridge Village made a lot of difference and general growth of the tax digest has helped some," according to Andrew. "We've been able to tighten our belts."
No tax increase would explain why there was no public comment and no questions from council members, allowing Finance Director Jeremy Perry to present the budget in less than a half hour. But a capital funds budget is something new this year. And the budget is slightly bigger at $5,406,479.
"Because of the capital funds projects we're looking at moving some funds from our reserve account from our fund balance," Andrew said. "We're moving about $187,000 there and that will be plugged into capital projects here in the city. We're looking ahead with future revenue in the next five years to improve the capital program."
Transportation improvements top that capital projects list including the McEver Road intersection at Jim Crow and Gainesville Streets. The project would allow a dedicated turn lane for the parks and the elementary school. Andrew said that would free up traffic and make it safer. There are also plans for a through way from Spout Springs Road to Lights Ferry Road. Also on the list is storm water control.
"The Council is really focused on infrastructure issues that we've got to take care of in order to prepare for growth that we know is going to re-start," Andrew said. "It will make that growth happen faster with more ease and it will be a higher quality growth."
Andrew said Flowery Branch has managed to expand its tax base
Finance Director Jeremy Perry presented the budget in less than a half hour
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/5/248760