by: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer | jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Woodruff City Council gave final approval of the 2024-2025 general fund budget, approving the approximately $6.1 million budget unanimously.
City Manager Lee Baily told council members that the staff had prepared a very conservative budget that includes some necessary additions to various departments but comes with no tax increase for Woodruff citizens.
The budget includes funds to add an additional officer and related equipment and vehicle to the police department. The city will also purchase new playground equipment for upgrades at McKinney Park.
In addition, funds will be used to purchase some new equipment for the street department and some capital investments in the sewer department.
Bailey also noted that the budget includes a $3 increase to the trash service fee for residents. All city employees will also be getting a 3% cost-of-living increase.
“This is a conservative budget with room for any issues that may arise, but it checks a lot of boxes that we need for the future,” Bailey said.
In other business, the Council approved a petition and first-reading request to annex a 10-foot strip along 2.53 acres of land at 661 Cavins Road. The strip allows the city to connect another piece of property for annexation.
They also approved the first reading of an annexation and zoning request for 85.7 acres on East Georgia Road, which consists of the old junkyard and surrounding property. According to Assistant City Manager Brandon McMahan, the property owners have requested annexation and zoning as R-2 single-family residential but have no current plans for development.
Both property issues will return for a second reading at the Council’s next meeting.
The Woodruff City Council meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 30. A copy of the budget can be found on thewoodrufftimes.com.
Author: Tracy Sanders
