2010 News Archive 

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City Council approves budget

The Johns Creek City Council on Monday approved a $55.2 million budget for 2011 without raising property taxes.

Most of the money, $45.2 million, is in the general fund, which covers day-to-day services. The general fund reflects a drop in revenues because of declining property values. The 2010 general fund budget was $45.8 million.

The City has maintained the same property tax rate of 4.614 mills since it was incorporated in 2006. The City's fiscal year starts Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.

The 2011 spending plan takes into account the transition of some departments from a private company, CH2M HILL, which helped launch the City nearly four years ago. CH2M HILL will continue to provide the City's Public Works and Community Development functions.

The contract with CH2M HILL will decrease from $17 million to $5 million. However, budget officers warn that most of the savings will be consumed in costs related to the change-over, such as purchase of equipment and transitioning staff to City employees.

In addition to the general fund, the City maintains eight other accounts ranging from $10,000 (tree replacement fund) to $5.8 million (capital projects).

Some highlights of the 2011 budget:

• $6.05 million for resurfacing streets
• $1.85 million for intersection improvements
• $275,000 for trail amenities
• $100,000 for PGA Championship (the major tournament will require police, fire, road and other services for support)
• $1.06 million for Intelligent Traffic System (a system that automatically adjusts traffic lights to ease congestion)
• $1.1 million in MARTA grant for pedestrian projects at key intersections on Medlock Bridge
• $50,000 for improvements to Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center