The City of Dunwoody on Sept. 3 released its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 operating and capital budget, a $70.5 million plan “with a focus on public safety and customer service, while maintaining strong financial reserves.”
According to a release from the city, the proposed budget represents a 0.2 percent decrease from the amended FY2025 budget, “reflecting disciplined spending and long-term fiscal stewardship.”
The 2026 budget is a balanced one, meaning it will not need to transfer funds from reserves, according to city officials. For the last four years, drawing from the reserve fund was budgeted to bridge the gap, but because of lower-than-expected costs and higher-than-expected revenues, it has not been necessary.
The proposed budget will be presented and discussed during a special called city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. at Dunwoody City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. It will be followed by two required public hearings on Oct. 14 and Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at Dunwoody City Hall before the final budget is adopted.
“The city remains in a strong financial position as it heads into FY2026, with a focus on staying adaptable for the future,” wrote Mayor Lynn Deutsch and City Manager Eric Linton in a letter about the budget. “Historical stewardship of funds has placed the city in a strong position as it moves forward. This budget has been developed using all information, data, and tools available at this time, but with the understanding that budgets are dynamic.”
Key highlights of the proposed budget include $38 million for the general fund and $14.5 million for the police department. Infrastructure and public works have been budgeted for $21 million, and parks and recreation will receive around $5 million.
Budget documents indicate that the city is carrying about $30 million in its reserve fund.
The upcoming budget projects that revenue from the city’s hotel/motel tax will net $5.9 million, three percent more than last year. It also includes six months of fund balance, above the city charter’s designated four-month reserves.
The FY2026 proposed budget is available for public review on the city’s website.
