Sandy Springs Sees $6 Million Boost in General Fund Budget
On May 27, the Sandy Springs City Council was presented with an initial look at a proposed $131 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2026, which marks an increase of $6 million from their present budget.
Eden Freeman, the City Manager of Eden Freeman, mentioned that the city remains cautious with both its income forecasts and spending habits.
We consistently overstate our expenses and understate our income to ensure we're well-prepared for any financial pressures that might arise throughout the year," Freeman stated. "My aim is always to avoid returning to you mid-year saying, 'Oops, we require additional funds.'
The budget proposed by Freeman encompasses a $50 million borrowing through bond issuance. 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 are posted there attended to 345 emergencies directed towards Atlanta addresses in 2024, which constitutes 14% of the total 2,530 calls received that year. According to Freeman, this figure marks an increase of two percentage points compared to what they saw in 2023. Back in 2022, just seven percent of Fire Station Four’s callouts—equating to 171 instances—were dispatched to locations within Atlanta.
The budget encompasses a $511,000 refurbishment project for the Racquet Center along with a $200,000 grant for the Performing Arts Center aimed at Signature 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 projected expense for employee health insurance is expected to increase by $2 million in 2026 compared to the current fiscal year, totaling $10.84 million.
Councilman John Paulson mentioned that the rise in health insurance premiums was quite substantial. He inquired of Freeman about when she could present a proposal to the council with the aim of reducing these expenses.
Freeman mentioned that the budget for the Human Resources Department encompassed a role for a health and benefits administrator.
That role will be crucial for us as we keep assessing our shift toward a self-funded structure," Freeman stated. I've already held one discussion with our health insurance broker, and since our health coverage begins only on January 1st every year, I expect we'll revisit this topic with you.
Freeman mentioned that as the health insurance plan follows the calendar year, a proposal for self-funding in healthcare might be introduced starting January 2026.
The city’s Public Works Department has allocated funds for various capital projects, which consist of $7 million dedicated to the paving initiative, $3 million earmarked for stormwater infrastructure enhancements, $2.25 million set aside for upgrades at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex, and $2 million designated for constructing Trail Segment 2C. This particular section forms part of the Springway Trail network and will extend from Roswell Road all the way to the Morgan Falls Overlook Park alongside Morgan Falls Road.
Freeman stated that the budget forecasts hiring seven new full-time workers, including an extra employee for the finance, human resources, facilities management, police, and fleet management divisions. Additionally, the Performing Arts Center will gain two more team members. In all, Sandy Springs plans to fund a workforce totaling 648 people through this budget.
The municipal council plans to conduct the initial of two public discussions about their proposed budget at 6 P.M. on June 3rd. The concluding session will take place on June 17th, following which they anticipate voting on and approving the budget.
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