Barnesville adopts 2023–24 budget, cuts millage to 3.067 and approves employee COLA

Barnesville’s City Council adopted the 2023–24 operating budget and set an ad valorem tax rate of 3.067 mills after a summer budget workshop and a September adoption vote.

City Manager Tim Turner presented a proposed $17,588,300 draft budget during an Aug. 25 workshop, outlining revenue drivers and pressures including transfers from the Electric Fund, lower building permit receipts tied to the sewer moratorium, and capital needs such as the recently approved splash pad. The council reduced the millage slightly from last year’s 3.266 to 3.067.

Separately, Council approved a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees by amending the 2022–23 budget through Ordinance No. 600. The City Auditor from Mauldin & Jenkins presented the independent FY2021–22 audit on Oct. 2 and reported the financial statements were fairly presented; Council unanimously accepted the audit.

The council also adopted a revised schedule of fees and charges and approved a number of budgetary housekeeping measures. The City Manager said staff will post the schedule of fees, and the CFO noted that effective dates for many of the new fees fall on Oct. 1, 2023.

The budget vote and related fee schedule establish the financial framework for Barnesville’s municipal operations through mid‑2024 and guide capital project prioritization as the city addresses sewer and water compliance needs.