City of Centerville adopts budget, talks town center

CENTERVILLE, Ga. — Dollars and development were the topics of discussion at Centerville’s City Council Work session on June 20.

Council began the meeting with their final adoption of the budget for fiscal year 2024, while City Accountant Carol Harrison presented the figures.

The budget accounts for 73 full time positions, 21 part time positions, and five governing authority positions (mayor and council.) This includes the addition of two full-time positions in the fire department, five part-time employees in elections and one part-time position in sanitation.

General fund revenues are at $4.8 million, with nearly half coming from property taxes, 11% coming from fines and forfeitures, and the remainder coming from specialty taxes and interest revenue. Other funds, like grants, SPLOST, Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Sanitation, total $7.9 million.

Expenditures are expected to be at $14.9 million, a decrease from last year’s expenditures by $39,000. 40% comes from the general fund.

Out of the general fund, the largest expenditures are 68% to be spent on public safety, 17% on general government, and 6% to public works. The remainder is set for Judicial, Housing and Development, and Parks and Recreation.

Within the various departments, the majority of general fund expenses will go towards salaries, wages and employee benefits, totaling 70%.

Overall, total revenue is expected to be $15.1 million.

Council approved the budget 3-1, with Councilman Justin Wright objecting.

Council also presented an update on the city’s ongoing town center project. Director of Economic Development Shannon Bryant gave props to Planning and Zoning for their work involved in the project.

Randall Wright spoke on behalf of Planning and Zoning, saying they recommend the city move forward with the project.

An ordinance adopted by the city adds a Town Center district into parcel zones. Properties zoned for the town center stretch along North Houston Lake Road and Margie Drive, north of Gunn Road. Parcels also expand east along Bassett Street and East Church Street, and west along Gunn Road.

The previously adopted moratorium on development was lifted as a result.

Councilman J. Micheal Evans also expressed gratitude on the city’s efforts in developing a town center, saying the process should go smoother.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. We were looking at the process, and talking about the overlays, all those things. By doing this, we get rid of a lot of the red tape that would have been involved,” Evans said.

Mayor John Harley agreed, before Council approved unanimously.

Finally, to clear up confusion about alcohol sales, Council amended an ordinance in relation to proximity to churches and schools. However, City Attorney Rebecca Tydings explained that bars are not allowed in the new town center per the ordinance; alcohol sales will come from full service restaurants.

Council made several more approvals throughout the night.

-The signing of an engagement letter from Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs and Advisors for audits in fiscal year 2023.

-The addition of a part-time position at the city’s recycling center.

During council comments, Councilman Robert Bird expressed excitement for the town’s center. Councilman Wright commended department heads for their work during the budget and town center projects. Councilman Evans thanked city employees as well and looked forward to the city’s Independence Day celebration. Finally, Mayor Harley celebrated Centerville’s recertification as a Certified City of Ethics.

After comments, the meeting was adjourned. A livestream, as well as supporting documents can be found on the city’s Facebook page: City of Centerville, Georgia-Government.

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