In October 2025 the Barnesville City Council finalized the 2025–26 Operating Budget and acted on several revenue and contract items that shape the city’s near-term finances.
After a public budget process and a first reading, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 625 to adopt the 2025–26 Operating Budget and set the 2025 ad valorem tax rate. Earlier budget workshops reflected a proposed increase in property taxes and electric rates to close projected gaps; the Council adopted the operating budget as presented at the October special called meeting.
Council also approved an intergovernmental agreement at a joint meeting on Sept. 3 to participate in the county Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST). The signed IG allocates 18.25% of FLOST revenue to Barnesville, with Lamar County at 77% and the City of Milner at 4.75%. The Barnesville vote on the IG carried 2–1 at the joint meeting, reflecting a divided vote among city council members when taken in the intergovernmental context.
Other formal approvals included a new sewer contract with the City of Milner and a new garbage contract with GFL, both approved unanimously in April; a Greenwood Cemetery land swap addendum (Resolution R2025-0005); and approval to donate Northside Village to the Barnesville Housing Authority (Resolution R2025-0006) to provide senior housing to low- and moderate-income individuals. The City also accepted the FY2023–24 audit (clean/unmodified opinion) presented by Mauldin & Jenkins.
City Manager and staff noted these actions are expected to affect budgeting and capital plans, help address utility infrastructure costs, and provide funding paths for projects like the CDBG water/sewer program. Council instructed the City Manager and staff to proceed with procurement and implementation steps for awarded contracts and grants.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance No. 625 (2025–26 budget) — adopted; FLOST IG — approved by Barnesville (18.25% share); Milner sewer contract — approved; GFL garbage contract — approved; Greenwood Cemetery land swap — approved; Northside Village donation — approved. Detailed vote tallies and motions are recorded in the official minutes.