Hiram Holds First Public Hearing on FY2015 Budget

On Thursday, June 19th at 6:00 pm, the City of Hiram held its first Public Hearing on the 2015 budget, which begins July 1, 2014 and ends June 30, 2015.

The second public hearing will be on Thursday, June 26th, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Community Center at 217 Main Street, Hiram, GA 30141.

The foundation for the fiscal year 2015 budget is based on five key financial factors: (1) evaluate, enrich and refine existing services; (2) streamline operating efficiencies and initiatives; (3) allocate resources to encourage vibrancy through tourism and trade opportunities; (4) strategically allocate capital programming to expand infrastructure; and (5) maximize revenues and control expenditures to offset the reliance on cash reserves.

Although this was the first Public Hearing, the City Council has held several public meetings regarding the FY2015 budget over the last several months to include an all-day City Council Budget Work Session on Saturday, May 17th.

“We have really emphasized the open and transparent process of the fiscal budget process here in Hiram and have publicized every meeting and discussion using every medium available to include our quarterly newsletter – The Hiram Herald,” expressed city manager Robbie Rokovitz.

The FY2015 General Fund balanced budget as presented on June 19th is $3,454,763 which is 1% less the FY2014 amended budget of $3,496,264.  This year’s budget is based on a compilation of revenue streams which does not include any property taxes.

In addition to the General Fund, the City has also established other Funds to generate revenue to fund short- and long-term operational initiatives. The total of all other funds other than the General Fund is $2,719,964.

The combined total of revenue for all funds including the General Fund, Other Financing Sources, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Projects Fund and Enterprise Fund is $6,174,727 which is the cost of all governmental services.

Rokovitz concluded his comments stating, “While we feel confident that the revenue projections and expenditure appropriations presented to the Mayor and Council for FY2015 are congruent with operational initiatives and needs, we are very much open for additional input, dialogue and comments from our governing body and the citizens so that the will of all those affected is heard.”

For copies of the Draft FY2015 Budget, you may contact city hall at (770) 943.3726.

— Submitted by City of Hiram