Mayor & Commission Meetings

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission Special Called Session Tuesday, June 10, 2025 6:01 p.m. City Hall The Mayor and Commission of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia met this date in a special called session. Present: Mayor Girtz, Commissioners Davenport, Link, Taylor, Wright, Fisher, Johnson, Culpepper, Myers, Thornton and Hamby. Commissioners Davenport and Taylor arrived at 6:02 p.m. Commissioner Johnson arrived at 6:03 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to reverse the order of old and new business. The motion passed by 7 votes. Commissioners Davenport, Taylor and Johnson were absent. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct public hearing #3 on proposed FY26 budget as required by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 1999. The FY26 Mayor’s Recommended Budget can be reviewed on Athens-Clarke County’s Web site at www.accgov.com/budget. A budget summary section is available as part of the overall budget document; and consider other items of business in proper order. Public Input on FY26 Budget 1. Timmy Conley – supported increase in events fund 2. Kim Long – supported increase in events fund 3. John Marsh – supported property tax payers 4. Allison Smith – supported increase in events fund 5. Felix Bell – opposed Real Time Crime Center 6. Mary Joyce - supported increase in events fund 7. Kalantari Darya – supported Commissioner Myers budget proposal 8. Eric Sanderson – supported Commissioner Myers budget proposal 9. Teresa Friedlander – opposed proposal of TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 funds 10. Hank Sewell - supported increase in events fund 11. Dylan Woolsey – supported affordable housing 12. Dennis Smillie - supported increase in events fund 13. Kristin Bryant – opposed Real Time Crime Center 14. Elham Taghizaden – opposed Real Time Crime Center 15. Erin Galvin-McCoy – opposed Real Time Crime Center 16. Audey Lee - supported increase in events fund 17. Austin Kral – opposed Real Time Crime Center 18. Joshua Cloudy – supported Commissioner Myers budget proposal 19. Judge Lisa Lott – supported Superior court Judicial Salary Change 20. Sara Gehring – opposed proposal of TSPLOST funding Public Input on Old and New business 1. Michael Ruppersberg – opposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 2. David Williams – expressed feelings towards the outcome of the appointment of Municipal Court Judge 3. Fred Smith – supported Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 4. Imani Carter – expressed feelings towards the outcome of the appointment of Municipal Court Judge 5. Joe Gatto - benefits of mixed-use housing 6. Donna Carrillos-Ramirez – opposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 7. David Ellison – supported Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 8. Charles Hardy – opposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 9. Barbara Daniel – opposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 10. Russell Edwards – supported Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 11. Don Fitzgerald – opposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 12. Susan Monteverde - opposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority 13. Jake Strickland – supported Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority New business – Consider under suspension of Rules A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to suspend Rules of Commission for consideration of three new business items. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to adopt the following resolution. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, TO APPROVE AND APPOINT THE ACTING MANAGER OF THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, AS THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES 2022 AND THE SERIES 2023 CLASSIC CENTER ARENA PROJECT BONDS AND USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREOF; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Classic Center Authority for Clarke County (the “Authority”) has been created pursuant to 1988 Ga. Laws p. 3799 et seq., as amended by 1989 Ga. Laws p. 4867 et seq. and 2002 Ga. Laws p. 5665 et seq. (the “Act”); and WHEREAS, under the Act, the Authority is empowered (i) to construct, reconstruct, acquire, equip, own, alter, repair, maintain, add to, extend, improve, operate, and manage public projects, including the erection of a building or buildings in Clarke County, Georgia, to be used for amusement, recreation, civic, cultural, commercial, hotel, parking, and educational purposes or a combination thereof, including fairs, expositions, exhibits, conventions, conferences, public meetings or gatherings, concerts, theater, and such other activities as are designed and intended to promote education, culture, tourism, and the arts, and (ii) with the approval of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia (the “Unified Government”), to borrow and issue revenue bonds for the purpose of paying, in whole or in part, the costs of such projects; and WHEREAS, the Authority has previously issued, with the approval of the Unified Government, its Revenue Bonds (Classic Center Arena Project), Series 2021, in the aggregate principal amount of $48,880,000 (the “Series 2021 Bonds”), for the purpose of paying (i) a portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, installing and equipping of an approximately 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena facility, parking facilities and related property and facilities in the City of Athens, Clarke County, Georgia (as such facility is more fully described herein, the “Project”), (ii) capitalized interest on the Bonds, and (iii) the cost of issuing the Series 2021 Bonds; and WHEREAS, on or about February 1, 2022, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia (the “Commission”) approved a Resolution appointing the Manager of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia (the “Manager”) as the authorized representative of the Unified Government with respect to the Series 2021 Bonds and the use of the proceeds thereof, with full authority to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of the Series 2021 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government; WHEREAS, the Authority has subsequently issued, with the approval of the Unified Government, its Revenue Bonds (Classic Center Arena Project), Series 2022, in the aggregate principal amount of $37,440,000 (the “Series 2022 Bonds”), for the purpose of paying: (i) an additional portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, installing and equipping the Project, (ii) capitalized interest on the Series 2022 Bonds, and (iii) the cost of issuing the Series 2022 Bonds; WHEREAS, the Authority has also subsequently issued, with the approval of the Unified Government, its Revenue Bonds (Classic Center Arena Project), Series 2023, in the aggregate principal amount of $28,085,000 (the “Series 2023 Bonds”), for the purpose of paying: (i) an additional portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, installing and equipping the Project, (ii) capitalized interest on the Series 2023 Bonds, and (iii) the cost of issuing the Series 2023 Bonds; WHEREAS, on or about November 7, 2023, the Commission approved a Resolution appointing the Manager of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia as the authorized representative of the Unified Government with respect to the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds and the use of the proceeds thereof, with full authority to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of such Series 2022 Bonds and Series 2023 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government;  WHEREAS, the position of Manager of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia became vacant as of July 13, 2024, and several Acting Managers have been appointed to fill the role in an interim capacity; and WHEREAS, each Acting Manager has been appointed as the authorized representative to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests, and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government; and WHEREAS, on or about February 4, 2025, then-Acting Manager Bradley A. Griffin was most recently appointed as the authorized representative to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests, and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government; and WHEREAS, on June 4, 2025 at 8:00 a.m., Bradley A. Griffin ceased serving as the Acting Manager; and WHEREAS, Judd T. Drake has been appointed as the Acting Manager and began serving in that capacity effective June 4, 2025 at 8:01 a.m.; and WHEREAS, the Commission finds it to be in the best interests of the Unified Government to approve and appoint Judd T. Drake, in his capacity as the Acting Manager of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, as the authorized representative of the Unified Government with respect to the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds and the use of the proceeds thereof, with full authority to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests, and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia and it is hereby so resolved by the authority of same as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission hereby approves and appoints Judd T. Drake, in his capacity as the Acting Manager of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, as the authorized representative of the Unified Government with respect to the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds and the use of the proceeds thereof, with full authority to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests, and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government. SECTION 2. The Commission hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute the Appointment of Authorized Representative(s) form provided by U.S. Bank designating the Acting Manager as the Unified Government’s authorized representative with respect to the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds and the use of the proceeds thereof, with full authority to approve and sign requisitions, draw requests, and other documentation related to the use of the proceeds of the Series 2021 Bonds, the Series 2022 Bonds and the Series 2023 Bonds on behalf of the Unified Government, in substantially the same form as Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its approval by the Mayor or upon its adoption without such approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to accept the resignation of Clerk of Commission Gloria Jean Spratlin effective June 30, 2025. The motion passed with 9 YES votes. Commissioner Hamby voted NO. Mayor Girtz nominated Stephanie Thompson to serve as Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. He requested approval of the nomination and authorization to execute any necessary employment agreements. A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to approve the nomination of Stephanie Thompson to serve as Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer and authorize Mayor Girtz to execute any necessary employment agreements. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Old business A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to adopt the following ordinance (#25-06-63) which was presented by title only. The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF ATHENS- CLARKE COUNTY BY CHANGING THE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 120.5 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 610, 720, 730, AND 760 NEWTON BRIDGE ROAD FROM “EMPLOYMENT CENTER & RURAL” TO “MIXED DENSITY RESIDENTIAL;” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Official Land Use Map referred to in the Zoning Ordinance of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, as specifically identified in Section 9-3-3(A)(2) thereof, is hereby amended by changing the future land use designation on approximately 120.5 acres of land located at 610, 720, 730, and 760 Newton Bridge Road, Athens-Clarke County tax parcel numbers 112 006, 104 006, 104 005A and 104 005, from “Employment Center & Rural” to “Mixed Density Residential,” as more fully shown on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The date of this amendment to the Official Land Use Map of Athens-Clarke County as shown by Exhibit A shall be duly noted in the minutes of the Commission meeting. The Official Land Use Map and Exhibit A hereto are available for public inspection in said Clerk’s Office, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Link, to adopt the following ordinance (#25-06-64) which was presented by title only. The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO REZONING FOUR PARCELS OF LAND COMPRISING APPROXIMATELY 120.5 ACRES LOCATED AT 610, 720, 730, AND 760 NEWTON BRIDGE ROAD FROM I (INDUSTRIAL) TO RM-1 (MIXED-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL); AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The map constituting the component part of the Zoning Ordinance of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, by virtue of and in compliance with Sections 9-3-3 and 9-3-6 thereof, is hereby amended by changing the zoning of four parcels of land comprising approximately 120.5 acres and located at 610, 720, 730, and 760 Newton Bridge Road from I (Industrial) to RM-1 (Mixed-Density Residential) as shown on Attachment A hereto. The affected parcel of land is more particularly described in that certain document entitled “Rezone Exhibit – Overall,” designated in the lower right-hand corner as sheet number “1 of 6,” prepared by DuSouth, LLC, dated November 27, 2024 and being on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. The affected parcels are also known as Tax Parcel Numbers 112 006, 104 006, 104 005A, and 104 005 on the Athens-Clarke County tax maps being on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. The date of this amendment on the Official Zoning Map of Athens-Clarke County as shown by Attachment A hereto shall be noted on said Official Zoning Map in the office of the Clerk of Commission, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia, and duly noted in the minutes of the Commission meeting. SECTION 2. The following conditions of zoning shall be associated with this ordinance: 1. Only fee simple single-family attached and single-family detached uses shall be allowed. 2. The Applicant/Architect shall work with the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department to set aside sufficient land for a greenway connection and shall build a multi- use path, as defined by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department and the Athens- Clarke County Transportation & Public Works Department, in place of one of the public  sidewalks through the project to connect the Greenway to the intersection at Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road. 3. The required public sidewalk along Newton Bridge Road shall be constructed as a multi- use path, as defined by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department and the Athens-Clarke County Transportation & Public Works Department, to the intersection of Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road. 4. The Applicant/Architect shall follow the recommendation of the traffic impact study, dated March 25, 2025 and prepared by KCI Technologies, Inc., to construct a single-lane roundabout, including bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, at Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road, in cooperation with and adherence to the standards and plans of the Transportation & Public Works Department. SECTION 3. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to accept staffs request that the Capital Projects Department Authorization of Letter of Intent to Enter into Lease Agreement be held until August 5, 2025. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Davenport, to a. Approve the retention of 10% locality pay as authorized by HB 85 when it is implemented on January 1, 2026 as per revised agenda report dated June 6, 2025. b. Approve implementation of an additional Chief Judge locality pay equivalent to 2.5% of the new Superior Court State paid base salary effective July 1, 2025; c. Adopt the following ordinance (#25-06-65) which was presented by title only; and d. Approve implementation on January 1, 2026 of adjusted State Court judicial salaries commensurate with Local Rule (Attachment #2). The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, WITH RESPECT TO A LOCAL SUPPLEMENT FOR THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on May 12, 2025, the Governor of the State of Georgia signed House Bill 85, known as the Superior Court Judicial Compensation Reform Act, said act to become effective on July 1, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Superior Court Judicial Compensation Reform Act codifies an entirely new section of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, O.C.G.A. § 15-6-29.2; and WHEREAS, per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-29.2(e)(1), “a county or counties comprising a judicial circuit” may “provide a local salary supplement to the chief judge of such circuit,” provided that said salary supplement “was otherwise authorized by law on June 30, 2025”; WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, desires to provide a local salary supplement to the Chief Judge of the Western Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of Athens- Clarke County and Oconee County; and WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, intends the local salary supplement to the Chief Judge of the Western Judicial Circuit to be based upon the annual base salary for superior court judges as described in O.C.G.A. § 45-7-4(d)(1), which becomes effective as of July 1, 2025; and NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 1-18 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, entitled “Miscellaneous Provisions,” is hereby amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 1-18-5, which section reads as follows: Sec. 1-18-5. – Supplement for the chief judge of the superior court. (a) The governing authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby authorizes a local salary supplement to the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, in the amount of 2.5% of the annual base salary for superior court judges set forth in O.C.G.A. § 45-7-4, as it exists effective July 1, 2025, or may thereafter be amended. (b) The local salary supplement described in this code section shall commence upon the start of the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and it shall be payable in equal monthly installments. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. The recitals in this ordinance beginning with “WHEREAS” provide important and necessary background, and are incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 4. The Clerk of Commission is authorized, in consultation with the Athens-Clarke County Attorney, to correct any scrivener’s errors that may be found herein after the adoption and approval hereof. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Link, to a. Approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Athens Downtown Development Authority for the redevelopment of surface parking lots on Jackson Street (Attachment #1) as per revised agenda report dated June 6, 2025 along with recommended changes from Commissioner Hamby that includes an amendment to section (3)(f) and addition of section (3)(p); and, b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all necessary documents. There was a tie roll call vote with Commissioners Hamby, Davenport, Link, Wright, and Culpepper voting YES and Commissioners Taylor, Fisher, Johnson, Myers, and Thornton voting NO. (5 YES; 5 NO) Mayor Girtz broke the tie voting YES. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Myers, to a. Approve the Proposed Project Concept for, SPLOST 2020, Project 09 – Mobile Medical Services Facility Project, as generally described in Attachment #1 as per revised agenda report dated June 6, 2025; b. Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Hospital Authority to provide the Mobile Medical Services Facility Project, as generally described in Attachment #1; and, c. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Davenport, seconded by Commissioner Myers, as follows: Move to approve the FY26 Budget and related documents, as presented in the agenda packet with modifications to the Mayor’s Recommended Budget as outlined in the Commission-Defined Option (CDO) offered by Commissioners Myers, Davenport, and Link. Commissioner Link recommended an amendment to the motion removing the Real Time Crime Center funding which would even out the millage rate and apply the remaining $40,000 toward Special Events. Commissioners Davenport and Myers agreed to Commissioner Link’s amendment to the motion. A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, as follows: Move to approve the FY26 Budget and related documents, as presented in the agenda packet with modifications to the Mayor’s Recommended Budget as outlined in Commissioners Hamby, Wright, Fisher, Culpepper, and Thornton’s recommended budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to call the question. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. The substitute motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Fisher, Johnson, Culpepper, Thornton, Hamby, Taylor, and Wright voting YES and Commissioners Myers, Davenport and Link voting NO. (7 YES; 3 NO). a. Adopt an Ordinance (Attachment #1 of agenda report dated June 6, 2025) that will accomplish the below listed actions: (1) Establish the Operating and Capital Budgets for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 (FY26); (2) Establish the 2025 property tax (millage) rate for the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County (ACCGov) at 12.25 mills and the Athens Downtown Development Authority at 1.0 mill; (3) Establish the annual compensation for the Manager, Attorney and Internal Auditor as set by the Mayor and Commission for FY26; (4) Establish the rates and structure of the FY26 Health Insurance Program for Employees and Retirees; and (5) Adopt the Schedule of Fees and Charges for FY26 (Attachment #2), and b. Authorize the Manager or his designee to transfer budget amounts from the Other General Administration Pay Adjustment Budget Account to Departmental Budgets to fund approved pay adjustments for employees and fund departmental budget needs related to filled vacancies. c. Authorize the balances of appropriations from the American Rescue Plan Act – SLFRF programs be designated at fiscal yearend and re-appropriated in the following fiscal year until the programs are complete or they are amended by the Mayor and Commission. d. Approve and authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all required documents associated with a Memorandum of Understanding and annual financial agreement between the Board of Regents of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and ACCGov for support and provision of Cooperative Extension services in Athens-Clarke County (Attachment #3). e. Adopt the attached FY25 Budget Ordinance (Attachment #4), moving budget funds from the General Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund to pay off the remaining loan balance for the Finance and Human Resource Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. f. Approve the annual contract (Attachment #5) with the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council (GPDSC) to provide indigent defense services in specified courts of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County for FY26 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026) and authorize Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all required documents associated with the annual contract. g. Adopt an ordinance reference to the SPLOST 2011 Capital Projects Fund, TSPLOST 2018 Capital Projects Fund, SPLOST 2020 Capital Projects Fund, and TSPLOST 2023 Capital Projects Funds. The following ordinances (#25-06-66, #25-06-67, and #25-06-68) which were presented by title only were declared adopted. AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING OF REVENUES AND THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATIONS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS, AGENCIES, ELECTED OFFICES, AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE LEVEL OF PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED FOR THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES; TO PROVIDE FOR A CAPITAL BUDGET; TO ESTABLISH 2025 PROPERTY TAX RATES; TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION FOR THE CHARTER OFFICERS; TO ESTABLISH RATES AND STRUCTURE OF FISCAL YEAR 2026 HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS; TO ESTABLISH FEES AND CHARGES; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE DATES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. THE COMMISSION OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:  SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 7-405 of the Charter, the sums of money as summarized in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part of this Ordinance, shall be and are hereby adopted as the Operating Budget and the Capital Budget for Athens-Clarke County for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. SECTION 2. The appropriation of funds for all departments and agencies shall be as provided for in Exhibit A and supporting schedules. SECTION 3. Each of the Enterprise and Internal Service Funds shall be operated in accordance with Proprietary Fund accounting standards and procedures and shall not be governed by the Governmental Fund budgetary accounting principles; however, the budgetary estimates upon which such budgets are adopted shall be retained in memorandum form for budget control purposes and utilized in the preparation of comparative operating statements. SECTION 4. The personnel levels provided for in the Personnel Authorization Schedule for all departments and agencies, as provided in the budget document entitled "FY2026 Annual Operating and Capital Budget: The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026" are hereby adopted as the maximum employment levels for such departments and agencies and shall not be increased without the approval of the Mayor and Commission. SECTION 5. All financial operations shall be accounted for in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Standards. SECTION 6. In accordance with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Sections 33-8-8.1 and 33-8-8.2, the proceeds from the tax on insurance premiums, estimated to be $12,759,000 for FY26, shall be used for the provision of services to all residents of Athens-Clarke County. SECTION 7. In accordance with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 46-5-133, 46- 5-134, and 46-5-134.2; the monthly "9-1-1 charge" of $1.50 per exchange access facility, the $1.50 per month “wireless enhanced 9-1-1 charge”, and the $1.50 per retail transaction for the “pre-paid wireless charge” are reaffirmed for the period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. SECTION 8. The Manager is further authorized to transfer sums up to $25,000 from the General Fund Contingency to meet unbudgeted obligations of the Government. The Manager is required to notify the Mayor and Commission of each of these transfers from Contingency at the next scheduled regular meeting under the provisions of Section 7-408 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. SECTION 9. The Manager is further authorized to transfer sums within each fund’s capital budget among projects and accounts up to $100,000 to meet project obligations of the government. The Manager is required to notify the Mayor and Commission of each of these transfers at the next scheduled regular meeting under the provisions of Section 7-408 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. SECTION 10. The Manager is further authorized to approve the application for grants and accept grants on behalf of the government up to $50,000 and to amend the Operating or Capital Budget for the grants as needed. This authority is permitted if the grant meets all of the following conditions: (1) matching funds are appropriated or the grant does not require matching funds; (2) the government will not be required to otherwise commit resources or maintain any services after the end of the grant period; (3) no positions will be added with the grant; and (4) no vehicles will be added to the government’s Fleet Replacement Program as a result of acceptance of the grant. The Manager is required to notify the Mayor and Commission of approval or acceptance of each grant at the next scheduled regular meeting under the provisions of Section 7-408 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia. The Manager and appropriate staff are authorized to execute all required documents associated with grants accepted under this provision. SECTION 11. The budget document, entitled "FY2026 Annual Operating and Capital Budget: The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026” shall be maintained on file in the Office of the Clerk of Commission and posted on the government’s website. SECTION 12. The ad valorem tax rate for Athens-Clarke County is hereby levied for the year 2025 upon all real and personal property within the government not exempt from taxation under law as follows: Maintenance and Operations (General Fund) 12.25 mills SECTION 13. Under authority of the Act creating the Downtown Athens Development Authority, 1977 Ga. Laws 3533- 3538, there is hereby levied and assessed for the year 2025 on the real property in the downtown Athens area (said downtown area most recently defined in House Bill  No. 590, 2017 Ga. Laws 3900-3903), a tax of one (1) mill upon the value of said real estate as fixed by the Tax Digest of Athens-Clarke County. SECTION 14. Pursuant to Sections 4-101, 4-103, and 4-104 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, the annual compensation of the charter officers, as provided for by ordinance and contract for FY26, shall be determined by the Mayor and Commission upon appointment for the Manager1, shall be $221,166 plus a $6,000 car allowance for the Attorney, shall be $133,324 plus a $6,000 car allowance for the Internal Auditor, and shall be $120,000 for the Municipal Court Judge. SECTION 15. Pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 48-13-93(a)-(2), the proceeds of the excise tax on the rental charge for motor vehicles, projected to be $300,000 during FY26, shall be used for promoting industry, trade, commerce, and tourism. The proceeds from this tax in FY26 shall be used to support the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department, with an estimated budget of $990,000. 1 As of the date of adoption of this budget ordinance, the Manager position and Attorney position are filled by an Acting Manager and an Acting Attorney. The current Acting Manager, who normally serves as the Attorney, shall be paid an additional salary supplement of $2,045.43 per two-week pay period during the time period that the Acting Manager serves in this role and shall receive an annual car allowance of $7,200 during the time period that the Acting Manager serves in this role. The current Acting Attorney, who normally serves as the Deputy Chief Attorney, shall be paid an annual salary of $157,000 plus a $500 monthly car allowance during the time period that the Acting Attorney serves in this role. SECTION 16. Pursuant to Section 1-9-19 of the Code of Ordinances of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, the Benefits Summary of the Health Insurance and Health Benefits Program and the premiums or contributions for employees and retirees, as applicable, shall be as follows: (a) Pursuant to Athens-Clarke County Code Section 1-9-19(a), the government shall provide as an option to employees the plans of health insurance coverage as described in the Summary Plan Document entitled “Consumer Healthy Solutions (CHS) Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) Medical Benefit Booklet for the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County,” effective January 1, 2024, and prepared by Anthem for the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County. This booklet is on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. Any plan changes effective January 1, 2026, may result in new summary plan documents, which will be available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission in or around January, 2026. This Section 16 shall be subject to amendment by the Commission to incorporate any such plan changes prior to the effective date of such changes. (b) During the first open enrollment period, employees have the option to select from among the following health insurance coverage: the option described in the preceding paragraph or the plans of health insurance coverage as described in the Summary Plan Document entitled “BlueChoice Option Point of Service Open Access January 1, 2024 Conventional Plan Benefit Booklet for the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County,” administered by Anthem, incorporated herein by reference. This booklet is on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. Any plan changes effective January 1, 2026, may result in new summary plan documents, which will be available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission in or around January, 2026. This Section 16 shall be subject to amendment by the Commission to incorporate any such plan changes prior to the effective date of such changes. (c) Pursuant to Athens-Clarke County Code Section 1-9-19(b), the Designated Plan for retirees not yet 65 years of age and the Designated Dependent Plan for spouses of retirees not yet 65 years of age, and eligible dependent children, shall be that plan described as the BlueChoice Point of Service (POS) Open Access Plan of health insurance coverage as further described in the Summary Plan Document entitled “BlueChoice Option Point of Service Open Access January 1, 2024 – Traditional Plan Benefit Booklet for the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County,” administered by Anthem, incorporated herein by reference. This booklet is on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. The Plan Option for retirees and for retiree dependent coverage shall be any other health insurance coverage plans offered to employees in (a) and (b) above. Any plan changes effective January 1, 2026, may result in new summary plan documents, which will be available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission in or around January, 2026. This Section 16 shall be subject to amendment by the Commission to incorporate any such plan changes prior to the effective date of such changes.  (d) Those retirees not yet 65 years of age who are eligible for PPO shall be provided the plan of health insurance coverage as described in the Summary Plan Document entitled “Blue Choice PPO Benefit Booklet for the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County,” administered by BlueCross Blue Shield of Georgia, dated January 1, 2022, incorporated herein by reference. This booklet is on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. Any plan changes effective January 1, 2026, may result in new summary plan documents, which will be available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission in or around January, 2026. This Section 16 shall be subject to amendment by the Commission to incorporate any such plan changes prior to the effective date of such changes. (e) The premiums to be paid for the programs of health insurance for employees are set forth in the document entitled "The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County 2025 Benefits Guide: Enhancing Your Total Reward as a Valuable Resource for Our County,” incorporated herein by reference and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. The premiums to be paid for plans effective January 1, 2026, will be set forth in the document entitled “The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County 2026 Benefits Guide,” which will be made available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission in or around January, 2026. This Section 16 shall be subject to amendment by the Commission to incorporate any such changes in premiums. (f) The premiums to be paid for the programs of health insurance for those retirees, under age 65, subject to such insurance as described in paragraphs (c) and (d) hereof are set forth in the document entitled "The Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County 2025 Retiree Benefits Guide: Enhancing Your Total Reward as a Valuable Resource for Our County,” incorporated herein by reference and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. The premiums to be paid for plans effective January 1, 2026, will be set forth in the document "The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County 2026 Retiree Benefits Guide: Enhancing Your Total Reward as a Valuable Resource for Our County,” which will be made available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission in or around January, 2026. This Section 16 shall be subject to amendment by the Commission to incorporate any such changes in premiums. (g) Pursuant to Athens-Clarke County Code Section 1-9-19(c) the government shall provide to retirees who are age 65 or older those health benefits as described in the “Via Benefits: Introducing Via Benefits, Prepare for Your Medicare Coverage Enrollment” and “Via Benefits Reimbursement Guide: The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Health Reimbursement Arrangement HRA,” and incorporated herein by reference. Such documents are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of Commission, Room 204, City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia and on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Human Resources Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, Georgia. SECTION 17. Pursuant to the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, Section 2-6-2 “Schedule of Fees to be adopted annually”, the Schedule of Fees and Charges as provided for in the budget document entitled "FY2026 Annual Operating and Capital Budget: The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026" are hereby adopted. SECTION 18. The effective date of this ordinance shall be July 1, 2025. SECTION 19. All Ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.  GENERAL FUND SUMMARY FY26 ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 COMMISSION APPROVED FY25 FY26 Approved Approved Budget Budget $▲ %▲ Revenues: Property Taxes 96,641,650 101,154,000 4,512,350 4.7% Sales Tax 37,400,000 38,400,000 1,000,000 2.7% Other Taxes 26,502,000 27,713,000 1,211,000 4.6% Licenses & Permits 928,500 951,600 23,100 2.5% Intergovernmental Revenues 1,519,050 1,888,748 369,698 24.3% Charges for Services 15,894,830 18,065,903 2,171,073 13.7% Fines & Forfeitures 1,706,000 1,911,000 205,000 12.0% Other Revenues 3,417,000 3,721,235 304,235 8.9% Other Financing Sources 5,245,178 4,509,347 (735,831) -14.0% Total Revenues $189,254,208 $198,314,833 $9,060,625 4.8% Prior Year Fund Balance - Oper. 8,654,874 0 (8,654,874) -100.0% Prior Year Fund Balance - Capital 5,684,800 3,685,500 (1,999,300) -35.2% Total Revenues & Other $203,593,882 $202,000,333 ($1,593,549) -0.8% Sources Expenditures: General Government 42,516,593 43,147,978 631,385 1.5% Judicial 14,534,001 15,459,299 925,298 6.4% Public Safety 80,257,036 86,572,393 6,315,357 7.9% Public Works 22,163,545 23,511,455 1,347,910 6.1% Cultural And Recreation 10,506,447 10,812,162 305,715 2.9% Housing And Development 6,768,686 7,139,462 370,776 5.5% Quasi-Governmental Agencies 7,325,295 7,712,895 387,600 5.3% Debt Service 1,314,022 1,315,840 1,818 0.1% Total Operating Expenditures $185,385,625 $195,671,484 $10,285,859 5.5% Other Financing Uses - Oper. 5,650,457 2,491,349 (3,159,108) -55.9% Total Operating Expenditures $191,036,082 $198,162,833 $7,126,751 3.7%  & Other Financing Uses Other Financing Uses - Capital 12,557,800 3,837,500 (8,720,300) -69.4% Total Operating & Capital $203,593,882 $202,000,333 ($1,593,549) -0.8% Expenditures ALL FUNDS SUMMARY FY26 ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 COMMISSION APPROVED FY26 FY26 FY26 Operating Capital Approved Revenues: Budget Budget Budget Property Taxes 103,136,300 252,000 103,388,300 Sales Tax 38,400,000 38,400,000 Other Taxes 34,113,000 0 34,113,000 Licenses & Permits 2,939,600 2,939,600 Intergovernmental Revenues 8,511,021 8,511,021 Charges for Services 119,326,852 39,125,852 158,452,704 Fines & Forfeitures 2,054,000 2,054,000 Other Revenues 4,930,096 4,930,096 Other Financing Sources 27,169,471 3,837,500 31,006,971 Total Revenues $340,580,340 $43,215,352 $383,795,692 Prior Year Fund Balance 2,474,034 3,850,500 6,324,534 Use of Unrestricted Net Position 391,404 2,408,921 2,800,325 Total Revenues & Other Sources $343,445,778 $49,474,773 $392,920,551 Less Interfund Transfers & Charges (42,811,813) (3,837,500) (46,649,313) Total Revenues $300,633,965 $45,637,273 $346,271,238 Expenditures: General Government 84,544,702 500,000 85,044,702 Judicial 16,065,506 0 16,065,506 Public Safety 90,995,249 407,500 91,402,749 Public Works 70,816,107 44,614,773 115,430,880 Cultural And Recreation 10,847,162 30,000 10,877,162 Housing And Development 24,988,034 85,000 25,073,034 Quasi-Governmental Agencies 13,238,335 13,238,335 Debt Service 23,482,244 23,482,244 Total Operating Expenditures $334,977,339 $45,637,273 $380,614,612 Other Financing Uses 7,115,696 3,837,500 10,953,196 Total Expenditures & Other Financing $342,093,035 $49,474,773 $391,567,808 Uses Less Interfund Transfers & Charges (42,811,813) (3,837,500) (46,649,313) Total Expenditures $299,281,222 $45,637,273 $344,918,495 Designated for Future Capital Improvements & Debt Svc. Requirements 1,352,743 1,352,743 Total Expenditures & Designations $300,633,965 $45,637,273 $346,271,238 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2025 ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO PAY- OFF THE LOAN FOR THE FINANCE AND HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SOFTWARE SYSTEM; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia desires to amend the General Fund and the General Capital Projects Fund to pay-off the loan for the Finance and Human Resources Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system. Said Operating and Capital budget is hereby amended as follows: General Fund: REVENUES: Increase: Transfers from General Capital Proj Fd. $499,782 EXPENDITURES: Increase: Debt Service: GMA Lease – Munis ERP – Principal $497,589 GMA Lease – Munis ERP – Interest $2,193 Total $499,782 General Capital Projects Fund: EXPENDITURES: Increase: Transfers to the General Fund $499,782 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.  AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AND THE SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX PROGRAM BUDGETS SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia desires to amend the SPLOST 2011 Capital Projects Fund to provide additional funding for the SPLOST 2011 Project #16 Parks Facilities Improvements, the SPLOST 2020 Capital Projects Fund to provide additional funding for the SPLOST 2020 Project #01 Facilities Space Modernization Project, the TSPLOST 2018 Capital Projects Fund to provide additional funding for the TSPLOST 2018 Project #07 Pavement Rehabilitation, and the TSPLOST 2023 Capital Projects Fund to provide additional funding for the TSPLOST 2023 Project #21 Pavement & Bridge Maintenance Program and Project #30 Traffic Safety Improvements. Said Operating and Capital budget is hereby amended as follows: SPLOST 2011 Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: INCREASE: Interest Earnings $1,000,000 EXPENDITURES: INCREASE: Project #16 – Parks Facilities Improv. $1,000,000 TSPLOST 2018 Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: INCREASE: Interest Earnings $1,100,000 EXPENDITURES: INCREASE: Project #07 – Pavement Rehabilitation $1,100,000 SPLOST 2020 Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: INCREASE: Interest Earnings $702,000 EXPENDITURES: INCREASE: Project #01 – Facilities Space Mod. Project $702,000 TSPLOST 2023 Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: INCREASE: Interest Earnings $3,900,000 EXPENDITURES: INCREASE: Project #21 – Pavement & Bridge Maint. Prog. $1,900,000 Project #30 – Traffic Safety Improvements $2,000,000 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to adjourn. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. ____________________________________ Deputy Clerk of Commission