South Fulton Commits $425M to Future: No Tax Hike, Major Safety Investments
September 11, 2025, 9:30 am
Location: United States, Georgia, Atlanta
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 2017
Total raised: $425M
South Fulton City Council approved its $425.6 million Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This budget marks a 44% increase over the prior year. Major focus: public safety infrastructure. The city secured $96 million in bond financing. These funds will build new Police and Fire Headquarters. Crucially, the city maintains its current millage rate of 12.399. No tax hike for residents. South Fulton prioritized strategic goals. This includes enhancing government efficiency, increasing community collaboration, strengthening financial stability, and expanding essential infrastructure. Investments also target judicial access, sustainability, community wellness, and housing support. Fiscal responsibility drives future growth. South Fulton secures its future without burdening taxpayers.
South Fulton, Georgia, moves forward. The City Council adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The financial plan totals over $425.6 million. This significant investment targets strategic city goals. It emphasizes community well-being and long-term sustainability. The budget reflects a 44% increase. This rise from the FY25 amended budget funds vital capital projects.
Public safety stands as a top priority. Over $163 million is allocated to public safety. This marks the largest expenditure. A substantial $96 million in bond financing will fund new facilities. This includes a new Police Headquarters. It also provides for a new Fire & Training Headquarters. These projects enhance emergency response capabilities. They support the city's first responders. The bond financing secured a favorable 4.25% interest rate. It spans a 20-year term. A refinancing option exists after five years. This demonstrates sound financial planning.
Crucially, the city avoids a tax increase. The current millage rate of 12.399 remains unchanged. This decision follows extensive debate. Discussions considered removing or raising the existing cap. However, city leadership found a solution. The successful bond financing negated the need for a tax hike. This outcome reassures residents. It underscores the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility. South Fulton protects its taxpayers.
The city's financial prudence made this possible. South Fulton boasts a strong fiscal record. It ended the last five years under budget. It maintained steady growth throughout. This track record built trust. It facilitated favorable lending terms with partners like Regions Bank. Such partnerships are vital. They allow large-scale projects without burdening citizens.
This budget aligns with the city’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. Four main goals guide resource allocation. These include enhancing government efficiency. They also aim to increase community collaboration. Strengthening financial stability is key. Expanding infrastructure supports long-term growth. Each investment connects to these core objectives.
Infrastructure development extends beyond public safety. The city plans a new Municipal Court building. This enhances judicial access. It improves operational efficiency. Investment in green spaces also continues. A partnership with the Trust for Public Land promotes conservation. Sustainable land use is a focus. Sidewalk maintenance receives ongoing funding. These initiatives improve daily life. They ensure a functional, beautiful city.
Community wellness programs receive support. Inclusive recreation initiatives are planned. Sensory playgrounds will serve diverse needs. A Miracle League Field will benefit children with disabilities. These projects promote inclusivity. They enrich the lives of many residents. The "SOFU SO CLEAN" environmental campaign expands. This effort improves neighborhood aesthetics. It fosters civic pride.
Housing and social support programs address critical needs. A Home Repair Program assists seniors. Funding targets food insecurity. Initiatives help vulnerable populations. These programs provide a safety net. They uplift the community's most susceptible members. Such investments create a stronger social fabric.
Financial resilience is a strategic objective. The city will establish a strategic reserve. This reserve supports grant match funding. It attracts external investments. It diversifies revenue sources. This proactive approach strengthens the city's financial footing. It prepares South Fulton for future opportunities.
The budget details funding distribution. Public Safety leads with $163.4 million. Public Works follows at $77.4 million. General Government receives $82.4 million. Culture and Recreation are allocated $26.9 million. These figures reflect a balanced approach. They address immediate needs while planning for the future.
South Fulton is Georgia's fifth-largest city. It boasts a population of nearly 110,000 residents. The city spans over 90 square miles. Its diverse landscape blends urban and rural areas. It holds extensive undeveloped land. This budget positions the city for continued growth. It ensures sustainable development.
The city's leadership demonstrated strong stewardship. They responded to pressing needs. They fortified public safety. They expanded opportunities. They are building a resilient, inclusive community. Careful choices made today yield lasting benefits. They secure the future for generations to come.
This budget is a milestone. It delivers vital facilities. It strengthens public services. It does so without increasing the tax burden. South Fulton prioritizes its citizens. It manages its finances responsibly. The city moves forward with confidence. It builds a better South Fulton for all.
South Fulton, Georgia, moves forward. The City Council adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The financial plan totals over $425.6 million. This significant investment targets strategic city goals. It emphasizes community well-being and long-term sustainability. The budget reflects a 44% increase. This rise from the FY25 amended budget funds vital capital projects.
Public safety stands as a top priority. Over $163 million is allocated to public safety. This marks the largest expenditure. A substantial $96 million in bond financing will fund new facilities. This includes a new Police Headquarters. It also provides for a new Fire & Training Headquarters. These projects enhance emergency response capabilities. They support the city's first responders. The bond financing secured a favorable 4.25% interest rate. It spans a 20-year term. A refinancing option exists after five years. This demonstrates sound financial planning.
Crucially, the city avoids a tax increase. The current millage rate of 12.399 remains unchanged. This decision follows extensive debate. Discussions considered removing or raising the existing cap. However, city leadership found a solution. The successful bond financing negated the need for a tax hike. This outcome reassures residents. It underscores the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility. South Fulton protects its taxpayers.
The city's financial prudence made this possible. South Fulton boasts a strong fiscal record. It ended the last five years under budget. It maintained steady growth throughout. This track record built trust. It facilitated favorable lending terms with partners like Regions Bank. Such partnerships are vital. They allow large-scale projects without burdening citizens.
This budget aligns with the city’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. Four main goals guide resource allocation. These include enhancing government efficiency. They also aim to increase community collaboration. Strengthening financial stability is key. Expanding infrastructure supports long-term growth. Each investment connects to these core objectives.
Infrastructure development extends beyond public safety. The city plans a new Municipal Court building. This enhances judicial access. It improves operational efficiency. Investment in green spaces also continues. A partnership with the Trust for Public Land promotes conservation. Sustainable land use is a focus. Sidewalk maintenance receives ongoing funding. These initiatives improve daily life. They ensure a functional, beautiful city.
Community wellness programs receive support. Inclusive recreation initiatives are planned. Sensory playgrounds will serve diverse needs. A Miracle League Field will benefit children with disabilities. These projects promote inclusivity. They enrich the lives of many residents. The "SOFU SO CLEAN" environmental campaign expands. This effort improves neighborhood aesthetics. It fosters civic pride.
Housing and social support programs address critical needs. A Home Repair Program assists seniors. Funding targets food insecurity. Initiatives help vulnerable populations. These programs provide a safety net. They uplift the community's most susceptible members. Such investments create a stronger social fabric.
Financial resilience is a strategic objective. The city will establish a strategic reserve. This reserve supports grant match funding. It attracts external investments. It diversifies revenue sources. This proactive approach strengthens the city's financial footing. It prepares South Fulton for future opportunities.
The budget details funding distribution. Public Safety leads with $163.4 million. Public Works follows at $77.4 million. General Government receives $82.4 million. Culture and Recreation are allocated $26.9 million. These figures reflect a balanced approach. They address immediate needs while planning for the future.
South Fulton is Georgia's fifth-largest city. It boasts a population of nearly 110,000 residents. The city spans over 90 square miles. Its diverse landscape blends urban and rural areas. It holds extensive undeveloped land. This budget positions the city for continued growth. It ensures sustainable development.
The city's leadership demonstrated strong stewardship. They responded to pressing needs. They fortified public safety. They expanded opportunities. They are building a resilient, inclusive community. Careful choices made today yield lasting benefits. They secure the future for generations to come.
This budget is a milestone. It delivers vital facilities. It strengthens public services. It does so without increasing the tax burden. South Fulton prioritizes its citizens. It manages its finances responsibly. The city moves forward with confidence. It builds a better South Fulton for all.