Snellville holds public hearing on proposed FY2027 budget; adoption set for June 8

City Manager Matthew Pepper gave the Snellville City Council and gathered residents an overview of the proposed FY2027 operating and capital budgets at a public hearing on May 27.

Pepper said the city’s fiscal year runs July 1–June 30 and that "by law, we're required to adopt a balanced budget, which means our revenues and our expenditures equal each other." The operating budget presented reflects roughly an 8% increase over FY26, which Pepper said includes nearly $350,000 in additional capital improvements (notably software and HVAC upgrades), higher liability insurance and IT costs, and added parks and recreation staffing to support the new Brisco Park Community Center.

The FY2027 capital budget is about $12.4 million, Pepper said, with the Brisco Park Community Center representing the largest single line; staff expect the center to be finished by late summer. The administration also provided a five‑year capital plan totaling roughly $31.9 million and noted the city’s share of the 2023 county SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) is expected to total about $28 million distributed over six years, with final SPLOST receipts anticipated in 2029. Pepper outlined department spending, saying public safety is the largest general‑fund item followed by administration, parks and recreation, public works and planning, and municipal court.

After the presentation the council opened the floor to public comment. Trisha Rollins of 288 Harbor Oaks Drive asked whether budget funds are available for a masonry wall near Highway 78 by Captain D’s, raised concerns about missing street trees and numerous streetlights that are out along Highway 78 (she said she counted 29), and asked which fund covers costs for ongoing liquor‑store appeals. The council invited residents to follow up by email and reminded the public that the budget remains a proposed document until final adoption.

Later public comment included Todd Warner (3144 Turf Terrace), who urged the council to oppose a Gwinnett County spot‑zoning application for a proposed 312‑unit apartment complex at 1162 Cooper Road (also referenced as 1160 Athens Highway, the former Peddlers Emporium). Warner said the county planning commission will hear the case on July 8 and the Board of Commissioners could act on July 28 and asked the city to notify the county that Snellville does not support that spot zoning.

The council waived the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑02 (the FY2026–27 budget ordinance) and placed the ordinance on the June 8 agenda for final adoption. The mayor closed the public hearing and reminded citizens printed and online copies of the operating and capital budgets are available for review.

The meeting recessed into an executive session later in the evening to discuss pending and potential litigation; the council reported no action upon return and adjourned afterward.