Politic-ATL: How to avoid the next budget shortfall
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The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved the city's $975 million general fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year without much last-minute jousting — and a request for more involvement to prevent future shortfalls.
Catch up quick: In March, finance officials raised alarms over a $33 million budget deficit fueled by police overtime and extra security at the city's controversial public safety training center.
- Mayor Andre Dickens' administration helped make up the shortfall with at least 5% spending cuts across departments, which included roughly 150 layoffs, according to the AJC.
Zoom in: Council members told the administration they want to determine how spending ran over and to hold monthly — not quarterly — budget briefings.
Stunning stat: This year marked the final budget process overseen by Council Member Howard Shook, who's not seeking reelection after representing Buckhead's commercial area and less mansion-y communities for more than 20 years.
Not so fun fact: Council recorded only one in-person public comment and one email about the record-high budget, Atlanta Civic Circle reports — a clear sign of low public outreach and engagement.
Million-dollar man
Dickens' campaign war chest trumps those of the long-shot candidates running to replace him in November.
- By a lot.
Zoom in: Dickens has raised almost $3.2 million, according to the AJC's review of the mayor's most recent campaign finance disclosure, and has $1.8 million cash on hand.
- The small field of candidates who've lined up thus far are new names to Atlanta politics, and one has pledged not to raise more than $2,500. Qualifying takes place Aug. 19-22.
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What's new
Council this week also approved a proposal to require new construction and roof replacements to use lighter colored shingles and other materials to help cool down neighborhoods.
- Also approved: funding to continue work on the Silver Comet Connector Trail and additional rules to prevent hulking data centers from setting up in neighborhoods.
What we're watching
Next week's Council Transportation Committee, where council members might discuss a proposed skybridge connecting a new state legislative office complex to the Georgia Capitol.