Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux plans to revisit the city’s capital needs in her 2027 budget proposal after the City Council declined to approve her proposed increase in the operating property tax rate.

Appen Media reported that Robichaux intends to bring deferred projects into the budget discussions. The city’s budget calendar schedules the presentation for Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m., followed by a first reading Nov. 9 and anticipated adoption Dec. 7.

The presentation follows community workshops and council discussions that began earlier this year.

Council approved a smaller tax increase

The council voted 4-2 on Sept. 28 to adopt a total property tax rate of 5.232 mills.

According to the city’s tax announcement, the operating portion remains at 4.049 mills. The debt-service portion increased to 1.183 mills to repay voter-approved bonds.

The adopted rate is below Robichaux’s proposed 7.732 mills, which would have provided additional operating revenue for priority needs.

Requests include buildings, vehicles and roads

The city’s explanation of the proposal identifies approximately $31 million in departmental capital requests. A revised priority list totaled about $23.4 million, with a potential $5 million contribution from year-end funds leaving roughly $18 million requiring additional revenue.

Requests included $4.9 million for building maintenance, $3.97 million to replace 33 vehicles, $3 million for resurfacing and $3 million for Historic Gateway commitments.

Public safety requests included a $1.4 million fire engine and $1.2 million for the final phase of the transition to a full-time fire department. The proposal also included recurring expenses, such as employee health insurance.

The city projected funds above its required reserve could support some needs. That projection does not establish which projects will receive funding in the forthcoming budget.

Budget discussions continue this fall

The October presentation will give residents a clearer view of which requests Robichaux proposes funding and how she intends to pay for them. Council members will then consider the spending plan before the scheduled December vote.

Residents can follow the meeting schedule and budget materials through the city’s Finance Department. Dates remain subject to change.