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Barnesville adopts 2025–26 budget, secures 18.25% FLOST share and approves key contracts

April 18, 2026 | Barnesville , Lamar County, Georgia


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Barnesville adopts 2025–26 budget, secures 18.25% FLOST share and approves key contracts
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.

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