Investments in Sustainability, Public Safety, and Workforce Enhancement Highlight Strategic Priorities.
The Mayor and City Council are pleased to announce the unanimous approval of the City's Fiscal Year 2025 budget (FY2025). Following months of careful deliberation, input from the Financial Review Citizen’s Committee, two budget work sessions, and two public hearings, the $189 million budget underscores the City's commitment to its residents, businesses, and future development.
Mayor David Still expressed gratitude for the Council's approval of the FY2025 budget, stating, "We value the input from our citizens and stakeholders throughout the budgeting process and remain dedicated to serving our community's needs. By financially supporting an innovative community and emphasizing long-term stability and cohesive growth, we are positioning ourselves for continued success and a vibrant future. This budget reflects our commitment to all of the above."
In 2023, the City informed the public of a coming millage rate increase with the FY2025 budget to sustain the City's continued growth and meet the evolving needs of its residents. This planned increase will result in a millage rate of 3.26 mills, an increase of 1.206 mills (above the roll-back rate). Even with this increase, the City of Lawrenceville’s millage rate remains the lowest among all Gwinnett County cities with city police departments and a millage rate, comprising only 5 percent of a resident’s total property taxes. The proposed millage increase will be discussed during public hearings in July.
The FY2025 Budget reflects the current economic conditions experienced by the citizens of Lawrenceville. Inflation has impacted fuel costs, health coverage, supplies, and utilities across the country. In response, the FY2025 budget focuses on four key areas: Community Engagement, Capital Improvements, Revenue Adjustments and Restructuring, and Staff Retention and Recruitment. Lawrenceville is committed to fostering a thriving community by allocating funds to these critical sectors, addressing pressing needs, and ensuring continued growth.
Community Engagement:
The approved budget provides additional funding for transitional housing, offering essential assistance to individuals facing homelessness. The City will also continue to support community engagement through outdoor events and concerts, enhancing the social fabric and fostering a sense of togetherness. Partnering with organizations such as Gwinnett County Government and Northside Hospital, the City seeks to expand incentives to encourage employees to reside within Lawrenceville, promoting a vibrant local workforce.
Capital Improvements:
Significant investments include a new Greenway Trail system and doubling the funding for street resurfacing in the coming year. The budget addresses the growing demand for electric services through electrical grid enhancements, substantial upgrades, and relocation of gas infrastructure for the SR316 expansion project. The Sanitation Department will add automatic side-loading garbage trucks with hydraulic arms to increase efficiency. To ensure pedestrian safety, the City will invest in raised intersections in the downtown area and a new downtown wayfinding project. City Hall security will also be upgraded to meet modern standards.
Revenue Adjustments and Restructuring:
The City will change from the current occupational tax system to a gross receipts system over three years to align with other governmental entities. The new budget includes changes in utility connection fees and monthly statement fees, with customers able to avoid statement fees through e-billing and auto bank draft enrollment. The budget includes year two of a planned three-year electric rate increase, implemented in January, with an average increase of 1.0% across all charges and no residential base rate increase. Additionally, it includes year two of a planned three-year natural gas rate increase, with an average increase of 1.3% across all charges and a $1/month residential base rate increase beginning in July.
Staff Retention and Recruitment:
Acknowledging the value of its dedicated workforce and aligning with the average salary increases in the Atlanta MSA, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lawrenceville is committing to a 5% salary increase for eligible staff. The new budget includes night shift differential pay for police officers and tuition reimbursem*nt opportunities for all staff. The budget also maintains a $5,000 housing incentive to encourage City employees to reside within Lawrenceville, fostering a close-knit community. Furthermore, nine new City positions are being introduced to support the City's evolving needs, including expanding the Police Bike Patrol Unit by two officers.
City Manager Chuck Warbington praised all involved in the budget process, stating, "The FY2025 budget reflects our unwavering commitment to our community and paves the way for a thriving future. I am incredibly proud of the collaborative efforts that shaped this budget. Through community investment, we are building a resilient city that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of our citizens. The approved budget showcases our responsible fiscal management while addressing key priorities to enhance the quality of life for everyone in our city."
Visit the agendas and minutes section of the city website for additional details and to view the full budget presentation. For more information on city expenses, visit Open Checkbook, the City’s financial transparency site.
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