Roswell’s proposed $227 million budget for 2027 advanced Monday, Nov. 9, with the City Council voting 4-2 to move the spending plan to a second reading and public hearing Dec. 7.

The city’s meeting recap confirms the vote but does not identify the two council members who opposed advancing the proposal.

Mayor Mary Robichaux introduced the budget Oct. 26. It would complete funding for the city’s five-year transition to a full-time fire department, support Recreation and Parks operations, address Gateway and Big Creek Parkway project obligations and replace aging public safety equipment.

The all-funds proposal is approximately $3.4 million below the current year’s $230.4 million budget. General Fund spending would increase about 17% to $125.9 million.

Appen Media’s budget preview reported that the proposal assumes a one-mill increase in the operating property tax rate, from 4.049 to 5.049 mills. Monday’s first-reading vote did not establish that rate.

The city’s budget calendar lists a final workshop Nov. 20 at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building in Roswell Area Park. The Dec. 7 hearing and potential adoption vote begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall. FY2027 runs Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027.

Council also unanimously approved a nonexclusive agreement allowing Google Fiber to install and operate a broadband and internet-based voice network in public rights-of-way. The approval does not establish when service will become available.

A separate unanimous vote postponed consideration of The Ballpark, a proposed indoor recreation facility at 545 West Crossville Road, until Dec. 14. Council members sought additional information about parking and other project details.

All eight consent-agenda items passed unanimously. Those included five HVAC projects with combined authorization of $1,647,935:

  • Three rooftop-unit replacements at Public Safety Headquarters through Chastain Plumbing Heating and Cooling, totaling $447,935.
  • City Hall improvements through Comfort Systems, authorized at $757,000.
  • City Hall improvements through Trane Technologies, authorized at $443,000.

Those figures represent total project authorizations rather than solely contractor payments.

Council also authorized up to $1,034,238 in replacement vehicle and equipment purchases through a five-year Georgia Municipal Association financing lease, with an estimated interest rate of 4.30%. Flooring replacement at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center received total project authorization of $102,200.70.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 38 Hill St.