Alpharetta adopts FY2027 budget and keeps millage rate at 5.75 mills

Alpharetta’s City Council on June 15 adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget and approved the city’s millage rate for the year starting July 1, 2026.

Director Tom Harris presented the second reading of the millage ordinance and the budget ordinance. The millage ordinance sets 5.05 mills for operations and 0.70 mills for debt service, for a combined rate of 5.75 mills—unchanged from the previous year, staff said. The budget ordinance was presented as a second reading with no changes and approximates $182.5 million across all funds and about $107 million in the general fund.

Council members praised staff for producing a balanced budget that funds public safety and infrastructure despite fiscal pressures. Members noted declines in some commercial tax revenues and raised questions about long‑term revenue scenarios, including public debate over property‑tax alternatives and the local distribution of sales tax dollars. Several councilmembers urged residents to track future budget discussions and participate in the city’s strategic‑planning process.

There was no public comment on the items. Motions to adopt the millage and the budget ordinances were approved unanimously (motion on the millage by Councilman Brady; the budget motion by Councilman Brady and seconded by Councilman Dreo). Council requested continued attention to revenue trends and future hard choices that may be necessary if commercial revenue declines continue.

Next steps: The ordinances take effect for FY2027 beginning July 1, 2026; staff will report as county tax‑assessor figures finalize and will continue to brief the council during budget monitoring and strategic‑planning sessions.