Brookhaven’s 2027 budget hits $45.6 million with 3.85 mill rate

Brookhaven city officials released a 24-page booklet on Sunday to simplify the proposed 2027 budget for residents. The document, titled “2027 Proposed Budget in Brief,” outlines a total expenditure of $45.6 million. This figure represents a jump from last year’s $38 million budget. The plan relies on a newly established tax rate of 3.85 mills.

Director of Communications Burke Brennan stated that the booklet is a first-time effort to make the complex fiscal process easier for the public to understand. The full budget document spans approximately 350 pages. Brennan explained that the city aims to condense this volume into a more accessible format for readers. The booklet was compiled in-house by the administration and finance department at an initial cost of about $800.

The proposed budget allocates 84% of funds to taxes and 8.8% to licenses and permit fees. No new or expanded programs are included in the 2027 plan. The city plans to use targeted spending and staff reductions to maintain a balanced budget. About 60% of the general fund supports 217 full-time and 22 part-time employees.

Public safety remains the largest single expenditure category at more than $18 million. This budget supports 116 full-time employees and three part-time staff members. Other major costs include $1.3 million for insurance and $1.2 million for utility bills. These utility costs cover two recreation buildings, the public safety building, the PEP building, and City Centre.

Residents will have opportunities to review the plan before adoption. Each city council member will host a community meeting about the budget. Two public hearings are scheduled for Nov. 3 and Nov. 17 at City Centre. After adoption, the city will mail a final version of the amended budget to residents. The complete budget will also remain available on the city website.

The tax rate increase was approved by the council on June 23 following a public hearing. About 150 people attended the meeting in person, while another 100 watched via video feed. Mayor John Park and other council members noted economic pressures forced the decision. The rate increase of 1.233 mills over the rollback rate had been proposed in early June.

The booklet also lists several 2027 capital improvement projects. These include Phase II and Phase III of the Peachtree Creek Greenway. Construction on Phase II is set to begin in 2027. Engineering work is underway for Phase III. The list also includes a pedestrian bridge over I-85 near Emory University’s Executive Park Campus and a vehicle connector bridge between Buford Highway and Chantilly Drive. Traffic improvements are planned for the Ashford Dunwoody Road and Windsor Parkway intersection.