The City of Dunwoody has released its 2025 budget proposal for public and city council review.
According to officials, the proposed city budget is $37 million, with an emphasis on public safety and slowing growth while avoiding tax increases for residents and businesses.
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“The city is in a strong financial position heading into 2025 thanks to our careful management of funds, and we remain flexible for the future,” Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton said in a statement. “After a unique period of uncertainty and change, key areas of the budget have been restored. However, some key revenue sources and expenditure categories continue to shift and are showing the effects of economic instability.”
The proposed budget was presented to the City Council on Friday by Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and Linton.
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In the public announcement of the proposal, officials said 38.6 percent, or $14.3 million, of the budget is earmarked for the Dunwoody Police Department.
Compared to last year, Dunwoody’s budget proposal is up 6.6 percent, “primarily due to increased public safety personnel, higher employee compensation and benefits, higher amounts in existing contracts, and higher maintenance and utility costs.”
According to the city, health care costs for employees increased by 6.5%.
“We have been prudent with our fund, which puts us in a strong position for times like these. With the help of American Rescue Plan dollars, which were allocated to help local governments recover from the pandemic, and the fund, the city can present a balanced budget without increasing taxes or fees on residents or businesses,” Deutsch said in a statement. “This November, Georgia residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Georgia Local Option Homestead Property Tax Exemption Amendment. If this measure passes statewide, there will be the opportunity to vote on creating a one-penny sales tax, which would generate new revenue for the city in the future.”
Prior to full approval of the budget, the Dunwoody City Council will hold a special meeting on Sept. 9 to discuss the plan, in addition to two public hearings.
The first public hearing will be held on October 15 at 6:00 p.m. and the second on October 28 at 6:00 p.m., both at City Hall.
In order for the budget to be used, it must be approved before the end of October.
For a full breakdown of how Dunwoody plans to fund its 2025 city budget, visit online here.
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