THOMASVILLE — Thomasville City Council members will consider approval of a 2021 budget at their Monday 6 p.m. meeting

The proposed overall budget is $135.7 million, with $131.2 million in operating expenses.

The proposed budget is $50,000 higher than the 2020 budget, said City Manager Alan Carson, adding that the increase is in the amount transferred from utilities to general government.

The increase is included in the $10.5 million to be transferred in 2021.

He said city utilities internal debt is written off in the 2021 budget.

“It’s a more transparent financial accounting method,” said Carson, who does not expect similar action will be necessary in the 2022 budget.

“I do not anticipate any more financial adjustments after this year,” he added.

For the ninth consecutive year, the budget includes no funding from property taxes or utility rate increases. 

Instead of levying a property tax, revenue above the cost of providing city utilities is transferred to general government.

Carson said the proposed 2021 budget is conservative because of many of unknown financial elements that might result as the community continues an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A capital outlay expense next year will be the purchase of a new Thomasville Fire/Rescue (TFR) pumper and ladder truck at a total of $1.4 million. An attempt will be made to find a ladder truck and pumper in one vehicle.

Carson said the current vehicles are reaching the service life recommendation of the National Fire Protection Association. Replacing the vehicles is required for TFR to maintain a Class 2 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) rating that provides the community with lower home insurance premiums.

Public safety is the largest component of the city’s general fund expenses.

“For 2021, it will make up 66 percent of our total general fund expenses,” the city manager said.

The 2021 budget also includes Weston Park improvements, resurfacing and other work on South Pinetree Boulevard and paving and resurfacing in conjunction with sewer and water improvements, city chief financial officer Ashley Cason told council members at a Wednesday workshop.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820