Sandy Springs Sees $6 Million Boost in General Fund Budget
On May 27, the Sandy Springs City Council received the initial briefing for a proposed $131 million FY 2026 General Fund budget, which marks an increase of $6 million from the present budget.
City Manager Eden Freeman stated that the city remains cautious with both its income forecasts and spending habits.
We consistently overstate our expenses and understate our income so that we're well-prepared to handle any financial pressures that might arise throughout the year," Freeman stated. "My aim is always to avoid coming to you mid-year saying, 'Oops, we require additional funds.'
The budget proposed by Freeman encompasses a $50 million bond sale to Replace fire stations No. 4 and No. 1, and expand station No. 3. She mentioned that the capital budget had allocated $3 million for the expansion of Station Three.
Fire Station Number 4 is situated in Atlanta at 4697 Wieuca Road NE, approximately two-tenths of a mile south of the boundary with Sandy Springs. The firefighters from Sandy Springs who work out of this location attended to 345 emergencies directed towards Atlanta addresses in 2024, accounting for 14% of all 2,530 calls received that year. According to Freeman, this represents an increase of two percentage points compared to 2023 figures. By contrast, in 2022, just seven percent—equating to 171 cases—of Fire Station Four's responses were destined for locations within Atlanta.
The budget encompasses a $511,000 refurbishment for the Racquet Center along with a $200,000 grant for the Performing Arts Center aimed atSignature Events such as Sparkle Sandy Springs. City Green Live Music Concert Series , along with the performances at the Heritage Amphitheater.
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Freeman stated that the projection for employee health insurance costs indicates an increase of $2 million in 2026 compared to the current fiscal year, totaling $10.84 million.
Councilor John Paulson mentioned that the rise in health insurance premiums was quite substantial. He inquired of Freeman about when she could present a proposition to the council with the aim of reducing these expenses.
Freeman mentioned that the budget for the Human Resources Department included a role for a health and benefits administrator.
That role will be crucial as we keep assessing our shift toward a self-funded model," Freeman stated. I've already met once with our health insurance broker, and since our health insurance coverage begins only in January each year, I expect we'll revisit this discussion with you.
Freeman mentioned that as the health insurance plan operates on a calendar-year basis, a proposal for a self-funded health insurance option will be introduced, potentially beginning in January 2026.
The city's Public Works Department has allocated funds for several major initiatives: $7 million for road maintenance, $3 million for enhancing stormwater infrastructure, $2.25 million for upgrades at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex, and $2 million for constructing Section 2C of the trail network. This section forms part of the broader Springway Trail project, which will extend from Roswell Road to Morgan Falls Overlook Park alongside Morgan Falls Road.
Freeman mentioned that the budget forecasts hiring seven new full-time workers, including an extra member for the finance, human resources, facilities management, police, and fleet management divisions. Additionally, the Performing Arts Center will gain two more personnel. In all, the city of Sandy Springs plans to fund a total of 648 positions within this budget.
The municipal council plans to conduct the initial of two public consultations regarding their proposed budget at 6 P.M. on June 3rd. The concluding session will take place on June 17th, following which the council anticipates voting on and approving the budget.
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