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Toccoa's finalized budget does not include a property tax increase or any utility rate hikes.
The City of Toccoa on Monday approved a fiscal 2021-2022 budget that calls for $38.65 million in spending.
The finalized budget does not include a property tax increase or any utility rate hikes.
The budget does include some $8.6 million in funding for renovation of the city’s Eastanollee Creek wastewater treament facility.
Commissioners on Monday gave second reading approval to the budget. It was unchanged from the first reading wh ich was approved two weeks ago.
Also, in Monday’s meeting, the commission made reappointments to various boards.
Deidra Scott a member of the Toccoa Housing Authority board term is expiring. Scott’s term ends June 30.
Scott said she was willing to serve another term, so the city commission reappointed her to another term.
The city also made some reappointments to the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC).
“Also effective June 30, three board members of the Historic Preservation Commission have terms that will expire,” city manager Billy Morse said.
“They are Susan Turner, Patti Chism and Thurston Estes. Susan Turner and Thurston Estes each have agreed to serve another three-year term. Patti Chism does not wish to be reappointed,” Morse said.
“Since the city commission appointed two new members last year there is no need to replace Ms. Chism’s position. There will still be five members on the HPC board,” Morse said.
The city also made a new appointment to the planning commission.
“Again effective June 30, three board member terms will expire,” Morse said. “They are Angie Garland, Tara Simmons, and Walker Whitworth. Ms. Garland and Ms. Simmons have agreed to serve another term. Mr. Whitworth has asked not to be reappointed. The planning commission discussed this open board position at their meeting on May 20 and they are recommending that you consider Josh Rickman for that vacancy,” Morse said.
Commissioners appointed Rickman.
Also, Monday, commissioners approved an addendum to the agreement with Camp Fire Georgia for the Lake Toccoa Paddle Boat rentals.
In the addendum to the agreement, in addition to staffing the Doyle Street swimming pool, Camp Fire has to provide lifeguard services for the Lake Toccoa paddle boat rentals.
The services include dock attendant duties to ensure the safety of those using the boats.
The key points to the addendum include the city will provide the boats and life vests. Paddle boat season will be from Memorial Day to Labor Day same as the swimming pool.
“Our plans are to have operations Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Morse said.
“Boat rentals will cost $3 for half an hour, $5 for an hour. Each boat has a four-passenger maximum and tickets will be purchased in the (golf) pro shop,” Morse said.
“Paddle boats will be available starting this coming Monday which is Memorial Day. Also I would like to point out that the swimming pool will be opening that same day,” Morse said.