Johns Creek City Council Approves 2021 Budget

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The Johns Creek City Council unanimously approved a $59 million general fund budget Tuesday for the fiscal year 2021, beginning Oct.1. The adopted budget includes $17.9 million for operational expenditures and $26.9 million for personnel expenditures.

The adopted budget aligns with 2021 four key themes:

1. Continue high quality core services
2. Thoughtfully maintaining infrastructure
3. Realigning resources for optimal effectiveness,
4. Recalibrating the economic development approach.

These themes can be seen in both the programs and services funded in the budget and the shifts as compared to budgets of prior years.

“A lot of hard work went into getting here, given the unprecedented fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 budget is focused on what is fundamental and primary to provide funding for those desired services that benefit our community,” Mayor Mike Bodker said. “It says volumes about this council to show unanimous support for continued investment in our city as well as commitment to strong fiscal stewardship, economic development, and public safety.”

The budget is the annual operating plan for the city and directly aligns with the priorities set by the city council. To work within anticipated revenues, the 2021 budget is an overall 7 percent decline compared to 2020 and does not include any service expansions. Highlights of the budget include $500,000 for new sidewalks based on the Sidewalk Priority Policy, $1 million for construction of the roundabout at Barnwell Road at Rivermont Parkway, $3 million for resurfacing, $325,248 for the police department body worn camera initiative, and $620,000 for the replacement of Fire Engine No. 62.

The city council publicly reviewed and refined the budget at the June 15 Work Session, July 13 meeting, the July 27 meeting, and held public hearings at the Aug. 10 meeting and the Aug. 24 meeting. The city council discussed options and reached consensus on critical budget modifications to balance capital enhancements and key operational expenses.

Overall the budget prioritizes providing leading levels of public safety, addressing traffic and infrastructure, streamline internal processes, and focus on economic development.

The budget documents and presentation are available on the city’s website.