Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman presented the administration’s 2026 proposed $42.7 million operating and capital budget at the council’s Oct. 21 meeting that reflects an emphasis on infrastructure, parks, and public safety.
It also includes a proposal to increase the millage rate to 3.54, which would represent a hike of 0.8 mills from the current rate of 2.74 mills and would require removing the millage rate cap from the city charter.
The estimated annual impact of the proposed millage rate increase would be $240 for the average homesteaded residential property with a value of $775,000, according to Sigman.
“The 2026 budget continues the transformation, supports innovation, provides opportunities for community celebrations, engages the community on important issues, protects our residents, businesses, and visitors, and maintains public spaces and facilities for the enjoyment of all,” Sigman said.
Brookhaven has not had a millage rate increase for operations since December 2016, Sigman said.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of engagement on this, and lots of discussion among the council,” Mayor John Park said after Sigman’s presentation.
Sigman pointed out that in 2013, the market value of all residential properties was $3.8 billion, but now stands at $11.3 billion, an increase of $7.5 billion, most of which cannot be taxed because of the city’s homestead assessment freeze.
The homestead freeze, he said, causes the gap between tax collections as values continue to grow, creating a “fiscal handcuff” that isn’t sustainable.
The millage rate increase would be passed by the council in June of 2026 for both residential and commercial properties.
According to a staff memo, major expenses driving the need for increased revenues include:
• 911 funding of $1,039,775 to meet the contractual obligations of the city’s agreement with the Chattahoochee River 911 Authority (ChatComm);
• full-year funding for staffing the Brookhaven Police Department’s real time crime center;
• $750,000 to replenish the city’s fund balance reserves;
• $516,090 for employee health insurance increases;
• $440,525 for parks and City Centre maintenance.
Major capital improvement projects include the Windsor/ADR roundabout construction procurement, detailed design and engineering for the I-85 pedestrian bridge connecting Executive Park and the Peachtree Creek Greenway, new street paving totaling 12.41 miles, continued funding of the city’s sidewalk infill projects, and continued funding of the city’s sign replacement program.
“The proposed mill rate of 3.54 requires the removal of the millage cap in
the city charter,” the memo said. “This is a home-rule item that does not require a
referendum.”
Two public hearings on the proposed 2026 budget will be held:
- Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Following the second hearing, the 2026 general budget will be considered for adoption at the Nov. 18 meeting, a release by the city said. Community members may also submit comments or questions via email at 2026Budget@BrookhavenGA.gov. The complete 2026 proposed general budget is available online, with a FAQ section and other documents.