For immediate release
June 2, 2016
The City of Lilburn’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 is available for public review. A public hearing has been set for June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. City Council is scheduled to adopt the budget that evening following the public hearing. The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2016.
A K-9 unit for the Lilburn Police Department is one budget item that will have a long-lasting impact on the city. The budget includes $73,747 for a K-9 and associated equipment and services, funded by the 2014 Special Purpose Local Sales Tax (SPLOST).
"Anyone who's been following the epidemic in this country knows that opiate addiction is a serious problem. The K-9 unit will help us detect these dangerous drugs," Police Chief Bruce Hedley said, adding that the department currently has to rely on the availability of dogs from other jurisdictions. "The dog is also a very effective tool for community outreach."
City Manager Bill Johnsa said the city is working toward its goal of becoming the safest city in Georgia. "This will be accomplished by a strong, well-equipped police force, as well as superior community policing. The addition of a K-9 unit will bolster this effort," he said.
The proposed FY2016-2017 budget for all appropriated funds totals $12,363,674, which includes $8,059,886 for operations, $1,732,000 for the Capital Projects Fund, and $2,551,788 for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Fund Issue 2005, 2009, and 2014. This budget represents a decrease of 4.2 percent from the previous fiscal year. The property tax rate is recommended to remain the same and will be approved by City Council at a later date to be determined.
The proposed budget is available for public inspection online and in City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The public is welcome to comment on the budget at the public hearing:
Public Hearing
June 137:30 p.m.
Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex 76 Main St., Lilburn, GA 30047
For further information, please contact Finance Director Sheila McGaughey at 770-921-2210 ext. 222 or smcgaughey@cityoflilburn.com.
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