HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022updatedbudget.docx
City of Tybee Island, Georgia
2022 Annual Budget
Adopted June XX, 2021
Table of Contents
Table of Contents (continued)
Letter of Transmittal
Mayor Sessions and the City Council:
As you will see in the following pages, the budget process and presentation has changed dramatically from previous years. A budget document should be a transparent document describing
the current and ongoing activities of the City; a resource document used by council, employees, residents and visitors of Tybee Island. It includes all governmental and proprietary
activities the City is financially accountable for. The City provides the full range of municipal services, including but not limited to; general administration, public safety, beach
safety, public parks including street construction and maintenance, refuse collection, water and sewer services, campground services and various recreational activities and events.
Preparing the 2022 budget, staff focused their attention on ensuring budget requests aligned with the overall strategic direction of City Council. Staff concentrated on the following
areas:
Transparency – Align decisions, policies and practices with the mission and values for the master plan and create platforms to communicate the plan and City activities to our residents.
Community Enhancement – Protect our natural, cultural and economic resources, to enhance opportunities to develop and maintain needed services and amenities for residents and visitors.
Infrastructure – Meet the immediate, short-term and long-term needs of residents, staff and visitors.
Financial Stability – Remain prudent stewards of City financial resources and assets while providing quality public services.
Disaster Preparedness – Develop a short-term and long-term resiliency plan to include storm preparedness and infrastructure investment that allows the City to quickly recover from natural
or man-made disasters.
Staff & Operations – Provide effective and efficient services. Make Tybee Island a premier place to work. Focus on excelling in customer service.
Policy Development – Ensure a transparent policy process that engages the residents, City Council, and staff.
The current budget is presented in a single line format. You will find an overview of each department, including a department description, explanation of services, staffing information,
2022 strategic plan, and a justification page for specific expense line items (if necessary).
To better understand the recurring operational costs of the City, management has moved capital purchases to a fund separate from the general fund. Having one-time capital purchases
in a separate fund allows for better management of operational costs. Operational costs should be consistent from one year to the next with the exception of new services or changes
in personnel. Capital will fluctuate annually depending on the needs of the City. Having capital in a separate fund also allows for multi-year planning for significant purchases.
When the fiscal year began in June 2021, no one could have predicted the scale and length to which the Covid-19 pandemic would continue to affect the City. The City froze all capital
projects, unfilled positions, and non-mandatory spending as we anticipated lost revenue due to travel and other restrictions. However, as restrictions lightened, the City saw the opposite
of what was expected. The number of vehicles entering the island have hit all-time seasonal highs and parking revenue in the month of April is comparable to hot summer days in July.
Hotels and STVR’s are booked through the end of the calendar year, and revenue from alcohol and beverage taxes have been higher than usual.
As more people visit the Island, revenues will increase from parking and hotel / STVR revenue, but costs will increase as well. Direct costs of more people visiting the island and beaches
means more maintenance of public restrooms, more beach garbage collections, more code compliance officers and lifeguards required, and more police officers and first responders ready.
It also means higher refuse costs as more garbage from the island is cleared, higher maintenance costs to public facilities and parks as usage increases, and higher maintenance costs
to streets and sidewalks as more wear and tear occurs.
City staff rose to the challenge of planning the 2022 budget given these ever-changing times. We continue to seek out ideas and strategies that will not only maintain, but improve the
infrastructure, financial stability and quality of City services while balancing the large fluctuations of visitors to our small island and the goals set by Council. As an organization,
the City is committed to looking forward and planning for the future.
The direct additions the City has made in the 2022 budget in response to the growing cost of visitors to the City is as follows:
Added four full-time code enforcement positions and created a code enforcement budget for materials and equipment
Added three full-time lifeguard / beach safety positions
Created an annual public safety STVR fee to capture the additional expense of rising public safety costs
Updated the water / sewer cost and rate structure
Significant capital projects included in the 2022 budget:
Along with the significant capital projects listed, the City also budgeted funds for other capital purchases including; vehicle replacements, software upgrades, generator replacements,
parking kiosk upgrades and handhelds, rescue and safety equipment and office equipment.
Other Significant Budget Impacts:
Wage and cost of living adjustment from approved class and comp study
Open positions left unfilled in previous year budget included in current year
7.5% increase in health insurance
16% increase in property and liability insurance
The 2022 budget was prepared with the future and the strategic direction of the Council in mind. The City Council, staff and residents alike continue to seek strategies to increase
efficiency and cost effectiveness, while providing outstanding service levels in the City. We are confident the 2022 budget places the City in a great financial shape to balance resident
and visitor needs and proactively addresses the issues affecting the City of Tybee Island.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shawn GillenJen Amerell
Shawn GillenJen Amerell
City ManagerFinance Director
City Officials and Administration
Summary of Revenues, Expenses & Fund Equity – All Funds
General Fund
The General Fund is the primary operating budget of the City. The General Fund accounts for the financial resources of the City which are not accounted for in any other fund. Principal
revenue sources are property taxes, beverage taxes, state and local use tax, business and vacation rental registrations, hotel tax, licenses, permits and parking revenue. The General
Fund accounts for expenditures related to the general administration of the City (general government), the protection and safety of people within the City, including police, fire and
rescue services, beach safety and code enforcement (public safety), the maintenance and upkeep of infrastructure and City property within the City (public works), the operations of the
City’s parking lots and off street parking (parking), as well as providing a sense of community.
This section of the budget is organized as follows:
General Fund Summary – shows revenues grouped by source and expenditures by function
General Fund Detailed Revenues Budget – provides revenue by line item for each major revenue source
General Fund Expenditures by Department – shows the detailed expenditures for each department in the General Fund
The beginning of each department budget includes a department description, narrative of the services provided by the department, employee payroll and benefits, and any significant changes
affecting the specific department budget.
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General Fund: City Council
Department Description:
The City Council is an elected body, made up of one elected Mayor, and six elected City Council members. Each City Council member is elected to serve a four year term. Council Members
are elected at-large and are non-partisan. The City has a staggered election cycle where three seats are up for re-election every two years. The Mayor’s seat is up for re-election
every four years.
The Council is responsible for appointing the City Manager who serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City.
Services:
Adopt the annual budget, levy taxes, and appropriate funds for the operation of the City;
Adopt policies for City operations;
Adopt ordinances and resolutions;
Appoint and evaluate the performance of the City Manager;
Approve contracts for City services and products;
Chair and serve on City committees.
Personnel:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Members (5)
General Fund: Clerk of Council
Department Description:
The mission of the Clerk’s office is to fulfill the statutory requirements of election administration; legal notice dissemination; and the preparation and preservation of all official
minutes, documents and records of the City.
Services:
Election administration and election inspector training;
Adherence to all election related laws of the State of Georgia and the Federal government;
Prepare and maintain City records;
Respond to informational requests from the general public, including open record requests;
Prepare and publish legal notices to the public;
Act as administrator to the City Council. Prepare and maintain minutes of Council meetings.
Personnel:
Clerk of Council
General Fund: City Manager
Department Description:
The City Manager is responsible for the coordination and oversight of the day-to-day City operations, consistent with the policies established by the City Council. The City Manager
facilitates the execution of the City’s programs and initiatives in the most efficient, responsive, and fiscally responsible manner possible. Additionally, the City Manager is responsible
for providing recommendations to the City Council necessary to adopt appropriate policy, provide leadership, and establish and organizational system to achieve goals and initiatives.
Services:
Responsible for all general operations of the City;
Conducts annual evaluation of department heads;
Carries out policy directives of City Council;
Represents the City in intergovernmental matters at the federal, state and county level;
Facilitates the implementation of capital improvement plan and long-term strategic plan;
Advises City Council on present and future financial, personnel and program needs.
Personnel:
City Manager
Administrative Assistant
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Improve communications with citizens by adding additional public meetings with updates on city issues, policies and projects.
Community Enhancement – Identify space for TIMA expansion.
Infrastructure – Partner with GDOT on Hwy 80 bridge and road improvements.
Financial Stability – Continue prudent management of City budget.
Disaster Preparedness – Continue discussion with USACE, congressional delegation, and ASBPA on future beach re-nourishment.
Staff & Operations – Continue to hire and promote high caliber employees.
Policy Development – Expand annual strategic planning.
General Fund: Finance
Department Description:
The Finance Department is responsible for insuring the fiscal integrity of the City through maintenance of all financial records, collections, investments, and distribution of funds.
The Finance Department is also responsible for producing relevant financial data needed to make informed decisions about the effective use of our resources, to ensure the safety of
City resources through efficient use of internal controls, and to satisfy applicable accounting and financial regulations.
Services:
Financial transaction processing such as utility billing, accounts receivable billing, accounts payable and payroll processing;
Cash management and investment of City funds;
Oversight of all financial transactions and processes to ensure compliance with Federal, State and local regulations;
Coordination and preparation of the City’s annual budget and continued monitoring of budget to actual results;
Responsible for ensuring City accounting records are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Preparation of the City’s financial statements;
Preparation of the annual financial statement audit and any compliance audits.
Personnel:
Finance Director• Accounts Payable Clerk
Finance Manager• Accounts Receivable Clerk
Payroll & Administrative Assistant
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Develop a simplified summary of operating and capital projects budget for public.
Infrastructure – Develop debt and fund balance policy in alignment with future capital project needs.
Financial Stability – Maintain and manage annual balanced budget.
Disaster Preparedness – Develop fund balance policy to ensure adequate fund balance reserves.
Staff & Operations – Develop cross-training plan for department employees.
Policy Development – Continue budget training with department heads, Mayor and Council.
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General Fund: Information Technology
Department Description:
The Information Technology Department is responsible for ensuring the technological integrity of the City through the maintenance and management of all hardware and software equipment
and services.
Services:
Management of all network equipment;
Management of all software;
Maintenance and support of all City computers;
User support for all department level systems;
Management of public safety network equipment;
Management of technology related contracts.
Personnel:
IT Director
IT Support Specialist (2)
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Increase website / social media support and development.
Infrastructure – Expansion of cyber security.
Financial Stability – Maintain adequate network security.
Disaster Preparedness – Continue staff emergency management training and supply management.
Staff & Operations – Create helpdesk support specialist.
Policy Development – Improving access to public meetings and documents.
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General Fund: Human Resources
Department Description:
The Human Resource Department’s mission is to strategically support the City’s efforts to attract, retain, and engage a talented and efficient workforce.
Services:
Administers all employee benefit plans;
Oversees recruitment and hiring of all new employees;
Management of employee on-boarding process;
Management of all employee discipline cases;
Employee record maintenance;
Oversees employee termination and ethics violations.
Personnel:
Human Resource Specialist
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Develop internal employee newsletter and employee communication portal.
Financial Stability – Monitor current salary and benefit information.
Disaster Preparedness – Continue staff emergency management training and access to information.
Staff & Operations – Continue and expand employee training opportunities.
General Fund: Municipal Court
Department Description:
Municipal Court has jurisdiction over alleged infractions of the City code. These non-criminal violations are punishable by forfeiture set by the State or City Council. Such infractions
include traffic and other non-criminal code violations. The mission of the Municipal Court department is to provide high quality customer service in an efficient, professional, and
fair manner; and in doing so, maintain the public’s respect, confidence and satisfaction. The department uses available tools and programs to reduce instances of recidivism and make
the Tybee Island community safer.
Services:
Schedule all court appearances;
Prepare case files for the City Attorney;
Answer questions from the public defendants and attorneys regarding court appearances, monies owed and general court proceedings;
Apply payments efficiently and with accuracy;
Maintain records.
Personnel:
Court Director
Court Clerk
Assistance Court Clerk
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Continue adjudication study to ensure fair and equitable practices.
Financial Stability – Staying current with Georgia state laws governing municipal courts.
Disaster Preparedness – Develop procedures to continue court proceedings remotely.
Staff & Operations – Continue staff development and training.
Policy Development – Develop and recommend municipal court policies.
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General Fund: Police & Code Enforcement
Department Description:
The City of Tybee Police Department strives to promote impartial, ethical and professional law enforcement services in an efficient and effective manner. The Department provides services
which contribute to the preservation of life, the protection of property, and the general safety of the community. The Department works cooperatively with members of the community to
preserve peace, reduce fear, and ensure the safety and protection of those who reside, work and visit Tybee.
Services:
24 hour / 7 day a week patrol services;
Detection, apprehension, and prosecution of violators and offenders of local, state, and federal laws;
Conduct complex criminal investigations;
Directed patrol;
Accident investigation;
Crime prevention;
Code enforcement.
Personnel:
Chief•Corporals (3)•Code Enforcement Officers (8)
Majors (2)•Senior Patrol Officers (2)
Captain•Officers (11)
Lieutenants (3)•Administrative Assistant
Sergeants (6)•Jailer (1.5)
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Increase website / social media presence and development.
Community Enhancement – Continue to improve traffic flow and safety during peak times.
Infrastructure – Continue to promote peaceful environment by maintaining highly visible presence in business district.
Financial Stability – Continue to invest in technology to stabilize costs.
Disaster Preparedness – Develop procedures and procurement of equipment to ensure services continue.
Staff & Operations – Continue to recruit and hire high caliber officers and support continued education and training.
Policy Development – Continued review of local ordinances to ensure compliance with state law.
General Fund: Fire & Beach Safety
Department Description:
Tybee Island Fire Department is a Fire / Rescue combination department that provides emergency services to the City of Tybee Island, Spanish Hammocks, Chimney Creek, DAV Island, USCG
Station Tybee, and Fort Pulaski. The Fire Department is dedicated to protecting lives and property through excellence in fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, education,
disaster management, and treating customers with compassion and respect. The Department is also responsible for the lifeguard program and beach safety.
Services:
24 hour / 7 day a week fire suppression services;
24 hour / 7 day a week first responder services;
24 hour / 7 day a week water rescue response;
Management of seasonal beach lifeguard program;
Management of ISO Class rating (current rating 4 on scale of 1 -10);
Emergency Management
Personnel:
Chief• Firefighters (12.7)
Special Operations Chief• Lifeguard / Safety Officers (3)
Lieutenants (3)• Seasonal Lifeguards
Sergeants (3)
Beach Safety Coordinator / Firefighter
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Increase website / social media presence and development.
Community Enhancement – Partner with local restaurants and businesses on CPR education and training.
Infrastructure – Implement long-term replacement program for fire and rescue equipment.
Financial Stability – Continue to research and apply for public safety grants.
Disaster Preparedness – Design training programs specifically directed toward disaster response.
Staff & Operations – Continue to promote staff growth and development through training and goal setting.
Policy Development – Development of standard operating policies on personnel responsibilities, code of conduct, and disaster response.
General Fund: Public Works
Department Description:
The Department of Public Works is responsible for providing residents with a wide array of services that includes; solid waste and recycling collection, street maintenance, management
of City’s parks and recreation areas including beach clean-up, sanitary and stormwater, water distribution, street light maintenance, City’s vehicle and equipment maintenance; planning,
design, and construction management of capital and annual infrastructure improvements, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.
Services:
Solid waste collection including refuse, recycling, and yard waste;
Parks and greenspace maintenance and beautification;
Maintain traffic signals and street lighting systems;
Conduct vehicle fleet and equipment maintenance for Public Works Department, Police Department, Parking Services;
Conduct maintenance for City buildings and other facilities;
Maintain staffing for 24 hour / 7 day a week stand-by efforts;
Develop, recommend, and implement capital improvement programs and projects.
Personnel:
Engineer / Director of Infrastructure•Building Maintenance Worker (2)
Division Director (2)•Heavy Equipment Operator (2)
Crew Leader (4)•Recycling Coordinator
Foreman (4)• Laborer (11)
Mechanic• Administrative Assistant
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Improve communication to residents and visitors of the Island.
Community Enhancement – Continue public space maintenance and upgrades.
Infrastructure – Implement capital projects plan and continue to develop long-term improvement programs.
Financial Stability – Manage project budgets in fiscally responsible manner.
Disaster Preparedness – Design training programs specifically directed toward disaster response.
Staff & Operations – Continue to promote staff growth and development through training and certification.
General Fund: Community Development
Department Description:
The mission of the Community Development Department is to promote maintenance of property values and quality of physical environment throughout the City through the development and administration
of comprehensive zoning, building and related codes, and land use planning. Also to advance economic growth and promote the City’s role as a visitor destination through a dynamic, vibrant,
and walkable downtown areas while preserving the City’s character and appearance.
Services:
Approve and inspect permits and licenses related to building, occupancies, and land use;
Perform plan exam and site plan reviews;
Enforce City codes related to zoning, housing, building and nuisance items;
Inform and assist new business occupancies;
Management of Mainstreet and South Beach District;
Personnel:
Assistant Manager / Community Development Director
Better Hometown Coordinator
Business License / STVR Coordinator
Facilities / Special Events Coordinator
Zoning Specialist
Business License Clerk
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Improve communication to residents for zoning and permit procedures.
Community Enhancement – Examine opportunities and create a business development plan.
Financial Stability – Manage current fee structure and develop revenue plan.
Disaster Preparedness – Design training programs specifically directed toward disaster response.
Staff & Operations – Continue to promote staff growth and development with training and continued education.
Policy Development – Review and establish standards for historic districts and designations.
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General Fund: Parking Services
Department Description:
Parking Services is responsible for collecting payments from all City parking meters, kiosks, annual decal sales and parking app sales. Parking Services accounts for all the expenses
associated with administering and enforcing parking regulations.
Services:
Coordination of various daytime on-street parking and parking lots needs;
Issuing of seasonal parking permits;
Maintenance of change machines and meter maintenance;
Processing of payments;
Personnel:
Parking Services Supervisor
Assistant Parking Services Supervisor
Parking Services Assistant (1.64)
Seasonal Parking Enforcement
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Improve parking communication to visitors.
Community Enhancement – Examine opportunities for parking growth and payment development.
Financial Stability – Manage parking fee structure based on revenue trends.
Disaster Preparedness – Design training programs specifically directed toward disaster response.
Staff & Operations – Continue to recruit and develop high caliber staff.
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General Fund: Other Uses
Department Description:
Other Uses represent items which are non-departmental specific, but for accounting purposes are segregated due to their nature. These include, but are not limited to:
Non-Profit Agencies. This represents the annual amount requested and awarded to local non-profit agencies.
YMCA. This amount represents the annual payment to the Tybee Island YMCA.
Contingency. When necessary, this amount represents a budget amount to be used on unspecific items.
Transfers to Other Funds. Transfers to other funds represents an annual supplement transferred from the General Fund to the E911 fund and Solidwaste fund to balance the deficit in their
operating budgets.
Capital Fund
Fund / Department Description:
The majority of the City’s capital purchases are infrastructure projects, building renovations or larger vehicle and equipment purchases that are not SPLOST or Utility fund related.
These non-routine purchases deemed to be one-time expenditures and not SPLOST or Utility Fund related are accounted for in the Capital Fund. These purchases are financed through either
current year General Fund budget surplus or General Fund unreserved fund balance.
In previous years, all capital purchases were accounted for in the General Fund operating budget. To better understand the recurring operational costs of the City, management has separated
capital purchases from the general fund. In order to effectively manage the replacement of these items, the condition, estimated useful life, and anticipated replacement dates for each
asset will be reviewed by department heads each year. Based on this input, these items are then prioritized and incorporated in the annual capital budget in a way that attempts to manage
the annual funding levels needed to replace these assets in a fiscally sustainable manner.
Capital Asset Policy: Capital assets are defined by the City as assets with an initial cost of more than $5,000 for general capital assets and infrastructure assets, and an estimated
useful life in excess of two years. All capital assets are valued at historical cost or estimated historical cost if actual amounts are unavailable.
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E911 Fund
Fund / Department Description:
The E911 Fund is defined as a special revenue fund. A special revenue fund accounts for revenue sources that are legally restricted to expenditures for specific purposes. The E911
fund accounts for the operations of the E911 system. Currently, this fund does not generate enough revenue from landline and wireless fees to cover all the operating costs, therefore,
there is annual supplement required form the general fund to balance the budget.
Services:
Dispatch all calls for police services;
Dispatch all calls for fire / emergency services;
Answer all emergency and non-emergency calls;
Provide accident reports when requested.
Personnel:
E911 Coordinator
Office / Records Coordinator
Dispatchers (4)
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Hotel / Motel Tax Fund
Fund / Department Description:
The Hotel / Motel fund is a special revenue fund. Hotel / Motel tax is a unique policy tool that creates a separate, locally determined tax that is imposed on short-term rental guests
who lodge within the City. The Hotel / Motel Fund accounts for the room accommodation excise tax receipts and distributions to tourism promoting organizations as required by agreements
with these organizations. Room taxes help the City promote, attract, and stimulate tourism as well as fund and construct facilities that promote tourism.
The City collects 7% of all short-term room gross receipts as excise taxes, including late fees. The tax receipted is then distributed as follows:
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Conventions Center located on Hutchinson Island
City’s General Fund
Debt Repayment (up to $250,000 annually)
Tybee Post Theater (up to $70,000 annually)
Remaining funds used for Beach Re-nourishment
Since all hotel / motel room taxes are distributed to either the General fund or other jurisdiction, there is no fund balance expected in this fund. The City defines a Short Term Vacation
Rental (STVR) as an accommodation rented to a guess for less than 30 days. Rentals are required to remit a 7% local hotel / motel room tax report and payment to the City by the 20th
day of the following month. Penalties and interest are applied to any accounts not paid on time.
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SPLOST 2014 Fund
Fund / Department Description:
The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 2014 Fund is a capital project fund. The SPLOST 2014 accounts for construction of major capital projects financed by SPLOST proceeds.
A 2013 intergovernmental agreement between Chatham County and the City of Tybee stated the City may anticipate $4.2 million in SPLOST 2014 proceeds over the life of the SPLOST to finance
approved capital projects.
The approved capital projects included roads, streets and bridges; stormwater and drainage; water and sewer; public works and public safety vehicles and equipment; fire protection and
administrative facilities. As of the final receipt date, the City has received $4.6 million in SPLOST 2014 proceeds. The City has spent $3.5 million and has $619,085 included in the
2022 budget. The remaining $460,000 of unspent funds is year one of a three year reserve to purchase a fire truck and for fire station renovations.
SPLOST 2020 Fund
Fund / Department Description:
The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 2020 Fund is a capital project fund. The SPLOST 2020 accounts for construction of major capital projects financed by SPLOST proceeds.
A 2019 intergovernmental agreement between Chatham County and the City of Tybee stated the City may anticipate $3.9 million in SPLOST 2019 proceeds over the life of the SPLOST to finance
approved capital projects.
The approved capital projects include public safety facilities and equipment; road and drainage improvements; water and sewer infrastructure; city facilities; recreational facilities
and improvements, and title acquisition. To date, the City has received $273,754 in SPLOST 2020 proceeds. Approximately $1.6 million is included in the 2022 budget, and $920,000 of
the remaining balance is year two and three of a three year reserve to purchase a fire truck and for fire station renovations.
Grant Fund
Fund / Department Description
The Grant Fund is a capital project fund. The Grant Fund accounts for the receipts and disbursements of various capital grants received by the City. The City actively applies for various
grants throughout the year, including grants for public safety, facilities, studies, beach re-nourishments, and equipment. Grants can be received from Federal, State or local agencies.
Depending on the grant outline, the City may or may not have cost share requirements. Only the grant eligible costs are included in this fund, any cost share portion would be included
in the general or other fund, if applicable.
The City has the following active or open grants related to:
Stormwater Management
Wake Study
Back River Study
Storm Shutters
Coastal Incentive
Home Elevation
Dune Monitoring
Fire Station
Debt Service Fund
Fund / Department Description
The Debt Service Fund accounts for the debt payments and proceeds of the City. It was established to account for the Marine Science Center Chatham County Revenue Bond 2019 Series principal
and interest payments. In February 2019, Chatham County Recreation Authority issued $3,410,000 in revenue bonds on behalf of the City of Tybee Island in order for the City to build
a new marine science center facility. Revenue generated from hotel / motel room tax funds annual debt service payments.
As of June 30, 2021, $3,160,000 remained outstanding on the bond. Annual principal and interest payments are as follows:
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Water / Sewer Utility Fund
Department Description:
The Water / Sewer Utility Fund is considered a proprietary fund. It accounts for the provision of water and sewer services to the residents of the City. All activities necessary to
provide such services are accounted for in this fund. Activities include providing high-quality drinking water, wastewater treatment and disposal services, and adequate water under
sufficient pressure to our residents, businesses and visitors.
The 2022 budget includes a restructure of water / sewer rates. The City has not proposed a rate adjustment for multiple years. A rate structure paired with smaller annual rate adjustments
will allow the City to issue debt that will fund the various capital projects that are past due. These projects include; sewer line replacements, watermain replacements, well house
and clarifier rehabilitation, electrical and water treatment plant upgrades various equipment purchases.
Services:
Provides water service to approximately 3,300 residential and commercial customers within the City;
Maintenance of approximately 22 miles of watermains and 32 miles sewerlines;
Testing and operating of hydrants and valves meeting regulatory standards;
Monthly billing of customers;
Personnel:
Operations Division Director• Maintenance Worker (5) •Foreman (2)
Billing Clerk• Crew Leader •Plant Operator
Operations Superintendent • Technician (2)
Proposed Rate Structure:
Fixed costs are proposed at $30 per month for all utility customers. Usage costs are proposed as follows:
The 2022 budget includes a proposed debt issuance to finance above water / sewer capital projects. As of June 30, 2021, the Utility has $2.8 million in outstanding note payables with
Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) for previous water line extensions and lift stations, and various other water and sewer improvement projects.
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Solid Waste Fund
Department Description:
The Solid Waste Fund is considered a proprietary fund. The Solid Waste Fund accounts for the provision of sanitation collection services to the residents of the City. The City contracts
out the garbage collections of residential and commercial customers with Atlantic Waste Company to provide solid waste collection services. All activities necessary to provide such
services are accounted for in this fund. The City charges a per cart fee for monthly service. Currently, the fees to cover all the operating costs, therefore, there is annual supplement
required form the general fund to balance the budget.
Below are the current garbage cart monthly rates per cart:
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Campground Fund
Department Description:
The Campground Fund is considered a proprietary fund. All activities necessary to provide campground related services are accounted for in this fund. Activities include services for
108 campsites and eight cabins. The campsites range from primitive tent sites to full RV hook-up sites. The Campground provides numerous amenities for its guests, and all revenues
generated from sales fund all operating and capital costs of the campground.
Services:
Year round overnight accommodations of cabins and campsites;
Convenience store and souvenir supplies;
Pool and screened pavilion available;
24 hour laundry and vending services;
Fitness and TV amenities;
Grounds and facilities maintenance.
Personnel:
Campground Director
Operations Supervisor
Office Supervisor
Clerk (4)
Maintenance (2)
Strategic Plan 2022 Initiatives:
Transparency – Continue website / social media presence and involvement with various magazines and visitor guides.
Community Enhancement – Continue presence and multiple local festivals.
Financial Stability – Review and expand rental items for revenue streams.
Staff & Operations – Continue to hire and promote high caliber employees.
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Personnel Detail
On an annual basis, management reviews the distribution of employee wages and benefits, as well as City expenses, to the Utility Funds. For the City Manager, Finance, Human Resources
and Information Technology Departments, a portion of responsibilities are utility related, therefore, a portion of employee wages and benefits are allocated to utility funds. In the
current budget, $236,112 of general fund wages and benefits is allocated to the Water / Sewer Fund, and $63,835 is allocated to the Campground Fund.
Gross wages and benefits for each department and fund are listed as follows:
17