Hiawassee City Council: Special Called Meeting, 7/18/17

Hiawassee, GA –  Council members assembled at City Hall on Tuesday evening, July 18, to announce the millage rate for 2018, review the budget, and provide an update on moratorium work.

Liz Ordiales, Hiawassee Mayor Pro-Tem, reported the millage rate will remain at 2.258% which will amount to $165,157.00 if everyone within the city’s limits pays their taxes. Ordiales stated the percentage is “dirt bottom” in comparison to other regions with the exception of Blairsville. Blairsville receives additional revenue from their airport.

The most notable change to the moratorium was the adoption of regulation requiring owners of property under an acre to follow the same rules as those with larger parcels. The height restriction remains at 35 feet and a 10 foot easement is necessary to ensure adequate space for neighboring property lines. The updated moratorium in its entirety will be posted on the City’s website.

The General Fund is estimated to generate $714,950.00 in 2017-2018. Total General expenses are proposed at $462,750.00 minus the funding for the Hiawassee Police Department (HPD). HPD’s total revenue was $113,213.29 between July of 2016 and March of 2017 while expenses amounted to $321,419.69. 

The cost of funding Hiawassee Police Department is greater than the revenue acquired through the sale of maps and calendars, provision of accident reports, municipal court fines and private contributions.

The 2017-2018 General Fund has been adjusted to avoid a future deficit.

The 2017-2018 budget is itemized in detail on the City’s worksheets and proposed as follows:

Hotel/Motel Fund – $60,000.00
SPLOST Fund – $349,000.00
Water Fund – $1,611,300.00
Sewer Fund – $785,120.00
Water Treatment Fund – $810,220.00

Hiawassee City Council meets on the last Monday of each month for work sessions and assembles for regular sessions on the following Tuesday.