Updated
2023-2024 Fiscal Budget/ General Fund (operations)
/ Utility Fund (operations)
The 2023-2024 General Fund Operational Budget is open to Public Comment on Monday June 12th at 6:00 PM at Lula City Hall. The “General Fund Operational Budget” has been developed at length over the past several weeks. The Council was presented with the final changes as proposed by the finance committee Monday (June 5th ) evening during the special work session. The development of this year’s budget is significant in that the mayor and city council have directed that as in the past 19 years this year’s budget will again not include property taxes. Of the 537 cities in the State of Georgia, Lula remains one of the very few municipalities (less than 80 statewide) to not collect property taxes. The continuing conservative approach by the mayor and council to provide a service level that reflects the ability to match the revenue stream to cost of services has served the community well, without collecting a municipal property tax. With the current inflationary trend, the city has found that the cost of services has been severely impacted with the rise of goods and materials similar to what every household has been exposed to. With our review of goods and materials (in this past year) we haven’t found a single item that has not seen at least a 7% increase in cost , and we have experienced a limited number of items that exceeded 60% due impart to the supply chain issues. Georgia Power as an example has been approved year to date a minimum of 12% increase and unfortunately are due another increase which could send the annual increase to above 16%, making our task almost impossible to control. Fortunately for Hall and Banks County (northeast Georgia)the financial predictions remain stronger than anticipated regarding revenue in local sales taxes for which Lula depends on greatly.
| This year’s general fund operational budget shows revenue of $ 1,701,529.00 |
with a balanced budget and expenditures of $ 1,701,529.00. In comparison the current fiscal budget has met the challenge off unanticipated material cost and should stay within the allotted dollars most to the benefit of ARP Dollars. The opportunities and projections for the coming fiscal year present the city council with the prospects of providing continual services and enhancing capital expenses still with a conservative approach even while experiencing increases of cost in services.
In addition, this year’s “Utility Fund Operational Budget” follows the same conservative approach that has served the community well even as the demand for services is enhanced by overall growth and the unprecedented cost of material. This year’s proposed budget for the Utility Fund shows a revenue stream of $ 1,043,080.00 with expenditures of a like amount. With projected increases in revenue matching the projected cost of services in consumption averages and the on-going viewpoint of “if it cost a dollar, we charge a dollar” and pass through to ensure adequate funding (a philosophy that serves both the general fund and the utility fund). It is anticipated that utility cost will rise as much as 7% annually over the next 5 years, staying in line with those cost projections will require a constant review of expenses vs revenue and by committing to a responsible reaction, so to ensure we don’t burden future cost and maintain we “pay as we go” .
The City Council considering adopting an overall balanced budget for the
General Fund Revenue and Expenditures
of a like amount of
|
Additionally, The City Council is considering adopting an overall balanced budget for the Utility Fund Revenues and Expenditures of a like amount $1,043,080.00
The City does not adopt a line item budget but utilizes line items for reference throughout the year. |
$1,701,529.00
| FY 2023-2024 | |
| Budget | |
| Revenue | |
| INTANGIBLE TAX | $ 4,000.00 |
| Motor Vehicle Tax Banks | $ 8,000.00 |
| Motor Vehicle Tax Hall | $ 69,000.00 |
| FRANCHISE TAX | $ 140,000.00 |
| Local Option Sales Tax Banks County | $ 40,800.00 |
| LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX (LOST) HALL / | $ 648,000.00 |
| PREMIUM TAX Insurance | $ 247,000.00 |
| BUSINESS LICENSE | $ 10,000.00 |
| PERMITS// BUILDING | $ 16,000.00 |
| RE-INSPECTION FEES | $ 1,500.00 |
| ANNEXATION REZONING FEE | $ 2,000.00 |
| PLAN REVIEW FEE | $ 2,000.00 |
| LAND DISTURBANCE FEES | |
| CEMETERY | $ 3,000.00 |
| INTEREST INCOME | $ 36,000.00 |
| MISC FUNDS | |
| RENT DEPOT | $ 13,000.00 |
| ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE | $ 11,750.00 |
| Employ Ins Particapation/Family | $ 38,247.00 |
| ADMINISTRATION FEE FROM UTILITIES/ | $ 124,232.00 |
| CODE ENFORCEMENT/ COURT FINES | $ 2,000.00 |
| LIGHTS REV adjusted | $ 17,000.00 |
| SOLID WASTE COLLECTION 1018 CUSTOMER PLUS 5 | $ 225,000.00 |
| LMIG FUNDING | $ 43,000.00 |
| General Fund Revenue | 1,701,529.00 |
| General Fund Expenditures | FY 2023-2024 |
| MAYOR / COUNCIL SALARIES & EXPE | $ 45,000.00 |
| SOCIAL SECURITY EPX | |
| FICA MEDICARE | |
| PMTS to RETIREMENT BENEFITS | |
| ADMINISTRATION STAFF | $ 350,110.00 |
| Municode | $ 8,000.00 |
| Court Cost | $ 4,800.00 |
| WORKERS COMPENSATION | $ 14,000.00 |
| CITY SERVICES STAFF SALARIES | $ 267,547.00 |
| TRAINING CS | $ 4,000.00 |
| Development Auth / Hall Chamber | $ 10,000.00 |
| FINANCIAL REVIEW | $ 4,300.00 |
| Code & ES SAL | $ 61,214.00 |
| VETERANS PARK UTILITIES | $ 5,456.00 |
| PERFORMANCE INC. | $ 2,200.00 |
| LIABILITY INS | $ 46,000.00 |
| VETERANS PARK MAINT CHEMICALS and Maintenance | $ 5,000.00 |
| PARK FLOWERS | $ 1,000.00 |
| HEALTH INSURANCE/ 11 | $ 100,320.00 |
| LEGAL FEES | $ 79,200.00 |
| ENGINEERING PUBLIC | $ 20,000.00 |
| AUDIT FEES | $ 16,300.00 |
| BUILDING INSPECTION | $ 5,800.00 |
| TEXT MY GOV | $ 2,400.00 |
| COMPUTER &SOFTWARE | $ 5,100.00 |
| CITY HALL IMPROVEMENTS & MAINTENANCE | $ 1,000.00 |
| CITY HALL FURNISHING | $ 1,200.00 |
| CITY ANNEX IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE | $ 500.00 |
| VEHICLE MAINTENANCE & TAX | $ 12,000.00 |
| TRACTOR REPAIR | $ 3,000.00 |
| CITY HALL TELEPHONE | $ 4,800.00 |
| POSTAGE | $ 2,100.00 |
| Wi-Fi Web Security and 365 | $ 11,000.00 |
| City Elections | $ 9,500.00 |
| Bank Fees | $ 500.00 |
| PLANNING COM SAL TRAINING | $ 5,000.00 |
| ADVERTISING/ City | $ 5,000.00 |
| TRAVEL | $ 9,600.00 |
| REIMBURSEMENT | $ 5,000.00 |
| MAYOR COUNCIL REIMBURSEMENT | $ 5,000.00 |
| PRISONER LABOR/ meals/ replacement | $ 58,406.00 |
| MAYOR COUNCIL TRAINING | $ 7,500.00 |
| ADMINISTRATION TRAINING | $ 3,500.00 |
| Depot Utilities | $ 4,300.00 |
| TRAINING OTHER CITY SERVICES (combined) | $ 3,500.00 |
| UNIFORM CITY SERVICES | $ 3,600.00 |
| OFFICE SUPPLIES | $ 7,000.00 |
| SIDE WALK REPAIR | $ 5,000.00 |
| HOLIDAY DECORATIONS | $ 1,000.00 |
| CITY HALL UTILITIES | $ 3,900.00 |
| STREET LIGHTS | $ 33,384.00 |
| CITY ANNEX UTILITIES | $ 2,271.00 |
| GAS AND OIL | $ 8,600.00 |
| STONE DIRT PIPE/ COLD PATCH | $ 4,400.00 |
| STREET SIGNS | $ 3,000.00 |
| STREET REPAIR REGULAR MAINTENANCE | $ 20,000.00 |
| MISCELLANEOUS EXP | $ 1,000.00 |
| DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION | $ 2,000.00 |
| SMALL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES UNDER $1K | $ 6,000.00 |
| EQUIPMENT PURCHASE OVER $1K | $ – |
| Old City Hall Building Maintenance | $ 1,000.00 |
| Benefits Employee | $ 4,200.00 |
| RDC DUES combined | $ 4,700.00 |
| SUBSCRIPTIONS | $ 1,400.00 |
| STREET LIGHTS MTN V. RIVER MIST, Morgan Manor, Victory Lane | $ 17,000.00 |
| CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS | $ 2,000.00 |
| CEMETERY MAINTENANCE | $ 2,200.00 |
| Park Improvements Maintenance RB | $ 8,000.00 |
| Solid Waste | $ 225,000.00 |
| SOLID WASTE POSTAGE | $ 1,600.00 |
| COPIER | $ 1,400.00 |
| GMA Dues Misc | $ 8,000.00 |
| Special Events RRD, CIP, FALL | $ 20,000.00 |
| Park Maintenance and Utilities | $ 1,200.00 |
| Poole Building Power/ maintenance | $ 1,500.00 |
| Family Health Insurance 8/vs4 participants | $ 36,480.00 |
| Council Contingency | |
| Personnel Leave Adjustment | $ 25,381.00 |
| DEPOT Staffing , Maintenance , OT | $ 29,160.00 |
| Total Expenditure General Fund | $1,701,529.00 |
| Difference Rev vs Exp | |
| Utility Fund | |
| Water Sewer | |
| FY 2023-2024 | |
| Revenue | |
| PENALTIES | $ 27,800.00 |
| WATER REVENUE | $ 527,000.00 |
| SEWER REVENUE | $ 270,000.00 |
| CAPITAL RECOVERY | |
| WATER TAPS | $ 24,000.00 |
| SEWER TAPS | $ 125,000.00 |
| BORING COST | $ 3,000.00 |
| ENGINEERING FEES re-imbur | |
| Bank Interest Income | $ 29,000.00 |
| Meter REPLACEMENT REV/ 411 | $ 35,280.00 |
| MISCELLANEOUS REV | $ 2,000.00 |
| Habersham Lea | $ – |
| TOTAL REVENUE WATER SEWER | $1,043,080.00 |
| Utility Expenditures | |
| FY 2023-2024 | |
| WATER/ SEWER STAFF SALARIES | $ 213,654.00 |
| HEALTH INSURANCE * v-d-l 4 empl | $ 36,480.00 |
| WORKERS COMPENSATION note+C184 | $ 16,800.00 |
| Retirements /Benefits | $ 5,000.00 |
| Water Tank Maintained | $ 9,000.00 |
| Liability’ Ins | $ 70,500.00 |
| Watershed Protection | $ 20,000.00 |
| AUDIT % | $ 16,300.00 |
| LEGAL FEES % | $ 20,000.00 |
| ENGINEERING FEES SEWER | $ 20,000.00 |
| ENGINEERING FEES WATER | $ 8,000.00 |
| SOFTWARE SUPPORT and Hardware | $ 23,000.00 |
| EPD MONITORING PERMITS Fees | $ 7,200.00 |
| WATER LINE REPAIR | $ 5,000.00 |
| VEHICLE MAINTENANCE | $ 2,700.00 |
| TRACTOR REPAIR | $ 1,300.00 |
| WELL MAINTENANCE | $ 7,500.00 |
| MAINTENANCE WWTP | $ 24,000.00 |
| WWTP Calibration &Annual Maint | $ 2,800.00 |
| CHEMICALS WATER | $ 9,878.00 |
| FREIGHT AND POSTAGE | $ 3,200.00 |
| COMMUNICATION WWTP | $ 4,100.00 |
| DUES | $ 900.00 |
| TRAINING | $ 4,700.00 |
| UNIFORM | $ 3,500.00 |
| OFFICE SUPPLIES | $ 2,000.00 |
| Sludge handling | $ 20,000.00 |
| WELL PUMP UTILITIES | $ 27,659.00 |
| WATER LINE SUPPLIES | $ 13,000.00 |
| WATER METERS a | $ 34,500.00 |
| CHEMICALS WWTP | $ 27,000.00 |
| LAB SUPPLIES & POSTAGE | $ 5,700.00 |
| WWTP POWER | $ 45,080.00 |
| SEWER LINE SUPPLIES | $ 27,000.00 |
| PUMP STATION UTILITIES | $ 13,990.00 |
| SHOP UTILITIES | $ 1,841.00 |
| GAS AND OIL | $ 11,220.00 |
| LOCATION FEES | $ 800.00 |
| Council Contingency | |
| LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE | $ 13,000.00 |
| BUILDING MAINTENANCE SHOP | $ 1,000.00 |
| WWTP MAINTENANCE REPAIR | $ 24,000.00 |
| ADMINISTRATION SERVICE CHARGE | $ 124,232.00 |
| Personnel Leave/ Adjustment | $ 7,126.00 |
| Family Ins Participants | $ 4,410.00 |
| BANK CHARGES & Reserve | $ 1,000.00 |
| PUMP STATION FUEL | $ 2,200.00 |
| Gainesville Hydrant | $ 2,200.00 |
| GEFA | $ 98,610.00 |
| Utility Fund Expenditures | 1,043,080.00 |
City of Lula
Public Notice
Date: Monday, June 05, 2023
To: General Public, Media
From: Dennis Bergin
File: File in Minute Book
Cc. Mayor and Council, , City Attorney , City Clerk
Subject: Special Called Meeting of the Lula City Council Work Session, 6:00 PM Monday June 5th, 2023
Requirements as prescribed by law have been met allowing for the scheduling of a “Special Called Meeting” of the Lula City Council for 6 PM Monday June 5th the Lula City Hall, 6055 Main Street, Lula, Georgia.
Agenda
- Fiscal Budget Submissio
- General Fund $1,701,529.00 Revenue and Expenditures (No property taxes)
- Utility Fund $1,043,080.00 Revenue and Expenditures
- Reminder Fiscal Budget Public Hearing, 6:00 PM Monday June 12, 2023, Lula City Hall, 6055 Main Street.
- Proposed Fiscal Budget, consideration of adoption 7:00 PM Monday June 19th, 2023, earliest potential date.
The Mayor and Council encourage and welcome public attendance at all meetings of the city council.
Posted
The Mayor and Council are promoting the Month of May and June with the opportunity to win a $100 utility credit for each district (a total of 10 winners) in their “Bloom n Lula” Celebration. So, enjoy the wonderful fun in planting your favorite flowers, and preparing your yards and just maybe you’ll be one of the lucky residents to in one of the credits. At the least we will all enjoy the efforts to making Lula a great place to call home!
City of Lula
Posted Friday, June 09, 2023
Work Session / Lula City Hall/ 6:00 PM
PUBLIC HEARING 6:00 PM
- Fiscal Budget Public Hearing, 6:00 PM Monday June 12, 2023, Lula City Hall, 6055 Main Street.
Agenda for June 12th , 2023
Opening / Welcome Mayor Joe Thomas
Pledge and Moment of Silence
Citizen Comments
- Minutes from previous(s) month(s) Regular Voting Council Session
- Yard of the Month recipients / May-June “ Bloomin in Lula” promotion !Proposed “ Show U.S. Your Colors” July August
- Finance
- Current Conditions
- Fiscal Budget Submission
- General Fund $1,701,529.00 Revenue and Expenditures (No property taxes)
- Utility Fund $1,043,080.00 Revenue and Expenditures
- Proposed Fiscal Budget, consideration of adoption 7:00 PM Monday June 19th, 2023, .
- WWTP Plant Loan Finalized as prescribed.
-
- Investment Policy/
- Water Sewer Current Conditions /
- Belton Bridge Water Line Extension Design Underway
- Bid Results Chattahoochee Water Tank Exterior Maintenance / Painting, Council consideration. Awaiting tabulation .
- Victoria Lane Well Pump Replacement Status
- Consumer Confidence Report on Water System to be published on City Web Site.
- Generator / Radiator Repair/ Status
- 2023 Comprehensive Plan Update Approved by Ga Department of Community Affairs.
- Design Architects Renaissance / Carter Alley to Committee?
- Proposed IGA for Referendum T-SPLOST/
- Request to Address Citizen Comments Procedure
- Consideration Invocation Policy
- Reminder-Resolution Adopted to change the time regular Council meetings begin 6:00 PM from 7:00 PM instituted July 10th.
- Veterans Park Fountain/ Drive Replacement / VFD is $2,688.00 /
- Schedule —Human Resources Committee, Utility Committee Meeting consideration of
- Park and Rec
- Request for 5 Day Revival October/ Depot- Ball Field? Cost
- Zoning and Planning Committee
- Adoption and amendment to International Building Code (IBC) Residential Changes / Direction
- Proposed Variance 6203 Carter Street, request a reduction minimum heated Sqft from 1,400 to 1,000 for a total of 4 units, Zoned R-3 / / Public Hearing June 19th, 7 PM Proposed Variance 6203 Carter Street, request a reduction minimum heated Sqft from 1,400 to 1,000 for a total of 4 units, Zoned R-3
- Proposed Annexation and Rezoning 6538, County Line Road (4.57 acres)/ Hall County response.
- Proposed Rezoning 09064 000062 + 09064 000056 + 09064 000053. 23 Acres located along Cornelia Highway (365) and Belton Bridge Road, Current Zoning Highway Business proposed change to M-II Heavy Industrial. To be heard by Lula Planning Commission July/ August?
- Lula Planning Commission Monthly Meeting – Rescheduled due to July Fourth Holiday to meet Tuesday July 11 @ 6 PM
- Proposed Changes to Hall County Animal Control Agreement
- Kelly Tours Ribbon Cutting Tuesday June 13th.
- Lula Ladies / BRAG “Bicycle Ride Across Georgia” DEPOT Event tremendous success thanks to the numerous volunteers and their efforts.
- Lula Ladies, Wed. June 28th / Lula Depot, Lunch Noon and Dinner 6:30 PM
- Lula Bellton Historical Society Meeting fourth Monday of the Month at the DEPOT 7 PM, at the DEPOT all are invited.
- Trash Collection Due Tuesday July 4th Holiday will take place July 5th Wednesday.
- TEXT MY GOV text message service available for alerts
- Executive Session
Citizen Comments
Council Comments
Brian Wellmeier
The Times
Published: Jun 5, 2023, 5:20 PM
A Savannah-based travel agency recently expanded into northeast Georgia, with the opening of its newest location at 4336 Cornelia Hwy. in Lula.
President Don Adams said the latest location of Kelly Tours, filling a void left after the relocation of travel agency Daniel’s Charter, provides up to 40 local jobs and facilitates both long and short distance trips to groups and organizations of any size.
From vacations to Canada or a drive down to Truist Field in Atlanta for a Braves game, the agency has a fleet of 60 motor coach buses prepared to haul large volumes of passengers.
“This is really the first time we’ve come in and built a facility specifically for our program,” he said. “We do anything that requires a package for a group – whether it be an eighth grade Washington, D.C., trip or a golf tournament that requires transportation. We haul the UGA Redcoat (Marching) Band. We haul athletics for colleges, and that requires equipment.”
The site of the new $2.2 million operation in Lula, Adams said, is equipped with a maintenance facility, cleaning station-area and four bays to maintain its bus fleet.
“It’s a really nice pocket we have up there (in Lula),” Adams said. “There’s so much of that type of business surrounding that office, so we’re doing good out here.”
Founded in 2019 by Adams and his wife Kelly – for whom the company is named – Kelly Tours was dealt a potentially fatal blow after a year in business with the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19, which devastated travel agencies nationwide.
Still, Don and Kelly Adams continued to network with future customers, and the company ultimately persevered through the pandemic. Now, three years later, the business has expanded from Savannah to Hall County.
“What ended up happening is we never gave up and we kept communicating with future customers throughout the whole thing,” he said. “We were able to weather the storm.”
Kelly Tours’ specific model, Adams explained, is based on what he described as a “group leader concept” – a person at the center of an organization who looks to make something happen. Kelly Tours then makes it happen.
“(The group leader) is the shepherd, and they can bring in the sheep, for instance,” he said. “We would come in there and provide all the marketing materials, the itinerary and put a date on it. We support the (leader) and anything they need. We make all the reservations for the bus, the hotels, all the meals, all the attractions and we package all that together … we have a great software that collects the money so that the (leader) has a seamless job.”
Adams said prices for specific packages vary based on destination, time of the year and the number of people traveling.
“(We) always keep our finger on the pulse of the business,” Adams said. “I’m always available to talk to anybody who wants to talk. Whatever we tell (people) we’re going to do, we try to back that up and do what we tell them we’re going to do. That creates a very loyal customer.”
The City of Lula is proud to see Kelly Tours new addition to their successful business call the City of Lula home!
Kelly Tours can be reached at Kellytours.com or 470-472-4200.
CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED ON
MONDAY
MAY 29, 2023
FOR MEMORIAL DAY.
WE WILL REOPEN ON
TUESDAY
MAY 30, 2023
AT 8:00 A.M.
TRASH WILL NOT RUN
NORMAL SCHEDULE
IT WILL RUN TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
Remember and honor our fallen veterans during our annual Memorial Day program Monday May 29th at 10 AM Lula Veterans Park, on Main Street, brought to you by the Lula Bellton Historical Society
City of Lula
Public Notice
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
To: General Public, Media
From: Dennis Bergin
File: Folder
Cc. Mayor and Council, Joey Homans
Subject: Special Called Session of the City Council Monday May 22nd at 5 PM. Lula City Hall
Requirements as prescribed by law have been met allowing for the scheduling of a “Special Called Meeting” of the Lula City Council for a meeting at
Location Lula City Hall
6055 Main Street, Lula, Georgia
Date and Time Monday May 22nd , 5:00 PM
Agenda
- The council will meet to enter executive session for personnel matters.
City of Lula
Public Notice
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
To: General Public, Media
From: Dennis Bergin
File: Folder
Cc. Mayor and Council, Joey Homans
Subject: Special Called Session of the City Council, Thursday May 18th, 5 PM, Lula City Hall
Requirements as prescribed by law have been met allowing for the scheduling of a “Special Called Meeting” of the Lula City Council for a meeting at
Topic: City of Lula Special Called Council Session
From Lula City Hall
6055 Main Street, Lula, Georgia
Date Thursday May 18th, 5 PM,
The agenda for this meeting comprises of the following items.
- Discussion and consideration regarding the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Update presented by GMRDC
The Mayor and Council encourage and welcome public attendance at all meetings of the city council.
