Mayor Al Hoyle and Ellijay City Councilmembers Sandy Ott, Tom Crawford, Al Fuller and Kevin Pritchett received and reviewed a copy of the city’s proposed 2022 operating budget during a brief special called meeting at City Hall last Thursday.
The 2022 budget amounts to $2.38 million, up from 2021’s operating budget of $1.94 million.
The 2022 budget includes $320,000 received from the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan.
Hoyle said those funds will be put toward an 18 percent pay increase for police and fire department employees. The pay raises will not be funded by raising taxes, and this year’s millage rate of 2.3 mils is actually down, Hoyle noted.
“This year and next year, we will use the COVID relief funds we received to fund that (pay increase). We’ve given them a raise and lowered the millage rate, too,” he added.
Other uses for the COVID relief funds could be added as the year goes on, and the pay scale adjustments are planned to remain in place after the time in which they’re covered by the relief funds, Hoyle confirmed.
“We were behind all surrounding areas as far as public safety compensation. We’re trying to get caught up,” he added.
The city council will vote on the proposed budget and millage rate at their next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Oct. 18, at City Hall.
In the meantime, a copy of the proposed budget will be posted at City Hall and on the City of Ellijay’s website.