The Peachtree City Council

may adopt its 2002 budget at its regular meeting Thursday night.

The budget includes a proposed

property tax rate of 4.35 mills, equal to a 13.3 percent increase. The

hike would cost an extra $40 for persons owning a home with a fair market

value of $200,000.

Since the budget calls for

an increase in property tax revenues, it will be the subject of several

more public hearings.

The tax rate was rolled back

last year by council from 4.06 to 3.84 mills in an effort to avoid a tax

increase due to increased property valuations. Mayor Bob Lenox, and other

council members, have characterized that decision as a mistake.

Most of the budget cuts this

year came from the city's public improvement program. One project was

cut from this year: a satellite auto maintenance facility. Also, part

of the facility buildout plan was cut, which includes the renovation of

City Hall and the Public Works building.

Both the satellite auto facility

and the renovations will eventually be funded through a long-term financing

plan called the Bricks and Mortar program.

Projects set for next year

which were cut totalled almost $117,000, including the library expansion

and $40,000 for playgrounds. Another $40,000 was left in the budget for

playgrounds.

Council's contingency fund

was also reduced $150,000 in the effort to pare down the tax increase.

Departmental operating budgets were reduced by more than $75,000.

Councilman Steve Rapson said

he doesn't see the need to increase the city's millage this year. But

other council members have said holding off on a property tax increase

could mislead the public as voters prepare to vote on the city's proposed

projects in the bond referendum.

Some of those projects, such

as the $2.6 million community center, will increase the city's operating

budget and in turn will require tax increases.

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