Each year, Sandy Springs city officials work together to prepare a detailed budget that is used to determine how to best allocate our tax dollars. The budget provides a blueprint for how the city will invest in our community, our people, our roads, parks and public transportation.
In 2022, Sandy Springs’ fiscal budget was $144.6 million, which was a new high mark for our city budget and a 19 percent increase from the prior year. The city began its public budgeting process for fiscal year 2023 on May 3, 2022, and the final budget will be presented to our City Council on June 21, 2022.
Think of our city’s budget like your family or personal one. It’s important to prioritize the most pressing needs and sometimes tough decisions need to be made. The good news is that you have a voice in how the city makes the call on what’s important, and what can wait.
The budget provides accountability to Sandy Springs residents on how the City of Sandy Springs spends our tax dollars. Ultimately, the adopted approved budget reflects our city’s values.
How can I make sure my values are reflected in our city’s budget?
Throughout the budgeting process, there are opportunities for Sandy Springs residents to voice their opinions on what’s most important to our community right now.
We encourage you to stay informed by attending any of the scheduled budget meeting workshops to hear from our elected officials and give input:
• Watch the May 3 initial Fiscal Year 2023 Budget workshop
• May 17 at 2 p.m.: Budget Workshop 2; Barfield Conference Room at Sandy Springs City Hall (1 Galambos Wy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328)
• May 24 at 4 p.m.: City Council Proposed Budget Presentation
• June 7 at 6 p.m.: First Public Hearing and Budget Workshop
• June 21 at 6 p.m. Final Public Hearing and Budget Adoption
Check out the city’s website for more in-depth information about the annual budget process.
The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) also provides a helpful Budget Guide for Georgia’s Municipalities. In this guide, you can learn more about what goes into a city’s budget and the process. The guide includes definitions of budgeting terms, an explanation of the roles of stakeholders in the budget process, a step-by-step guide to developing a municipal budget and the laws, regulations and principles that guide the budget process.
Sandy Springs is poised to have another large budget that determines how we move our community forward. The great news is that when you get involved, you have a say in the future of Sandy Springs.
