---
date: 2025-09-24
title: City Council Budget Retreat-Day 1 Minutes
source: 2025-09/2025-09-24_City Council Budget Retreat-Day 1_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET RETREAT
Summary Minutes
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 9:00 A.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Shawn Edmondson, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt – Dist. 1 Frank Milazi, City Treasurer/CFO
Councilmember Alphonso Thomas – Dist. 2 Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilmember Kyle D. Berry, Sr. – Dist. 3 Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Councilmember Yolanda Barber – Dist. 4 Megan McCullough, Staff Attorney
Councilmember Elton Alexander – Dist. 5 Ed Wall, City Financial Advisor

Mission: Is to provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the
quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on
sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.
Staff Present: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director, Ryan Anderson, Community
Development Director, Lisa Fareed, Downtown Manager, Najaa Hammonds, Human
Resources Generalist, Demeatrius Ivey, Information Technology Director, Tranita
Jones, Ex. Assistant to City Manager, Rosalynd Rawls, Executive Assistant to Mayor &
Council, Gerald Sanders, Economic Development Director, Genea Stanley, Court
Administrator, Shana Thornton, Public Information Officer, Frank Trammer, Police
Chief, Charisma Webster, Conference Center & Events Manager

Day 1 Budget Retreat

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 9:10 a.m.
Invocation by Councilmember Berry
Pledge of Allegiance recited by all members in attendance.
Roll Call: All members were present except Councilmembers Alexander and Thomas.
Motion to adopt the Agenda was made by Councilmember Berry; seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.
Mr. Edmondson greeted all in attendance and opened the with comments stating that
he wants to set the stage for honest reflection and forward-thinking discussions; noting
the numbers that would be presented tell two parallel stories of growth and strain; noted
the FY2025 budget projected an population of roughly 36,500 today and an estimated
population of 46,900 by 2030; and referenced the city’s commercial growth from
anchors like Costco and Sprouts steady residential expansion that will strengthen the
tax base, noting this is a success story that many cities envy.

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Mr. Edmondson noted the city’s growth has not been met with proportional increases in
staff and resources; noted the audit shows the city workforce at approximately 187 full-
time employees citywide and has not kept pace with service demands in critical areas
such as Public Safety, Public Works, Community Development and Code Enforcement;
and noted Public Works only had 26 full-time employees in 2024, despite expanding
infrastructure needs, and being reactive, rather than strategic.
Mr. Edmondson stated that as we move forward with the FY2026 Budget Retreat, it is
not only about balancing numbers but rather aligning the budget with reality, noting the
city’s rapid growth outpaces staffing, and whose signature assets such as the
Amphitheater, require more thoughtful investment, and strengthening the city’s financial
processes to protect every dollar that has been entrusted to us.
Mr. Edmondson asked that this Retreat be approached with a clear-eyed focus
acknowledging where the city has fallen short, and recognizing the challenges can be
solved with disciplined planning, stronger controls, and a willingness to invest in people
and systems, noting the growth will translate into sustainable quality of life for
Stockbridge residents; extended thanks, and noted he is looking forward to working
through the issues over the next few days.
Budget Overview – Presented by: Frank Milazi, City Treasurer/CFO
Mr. Milazi noted his presentation will be a continuation of the information from the
Retreat in March earlier this year and showing where we have been, where we are now,
and where we are going.
Councilmember Alexander joined the meeting at 9:21 a.m.
Mr. Milazi expressed the importance of proper reporting, managing internal controls and
reporting compliance, noting the city almost lost funding, which was being held up due
to non-compliance reporting, and that $800,000 was recently released as a result of
submitting the proper reporting, noting an additional $400,000 to $500,000 will also be
returned, and noted the city spent $1.4 million dollars from the general fund to pay those
expenses that can now be reimbursed back to the general fund; and noted $2.2 million
dollars of ARPA funding was also returned as the federal government forgave the city
for failure to submit ARPA documentation timely.
Mr. Milazi noted that in 2024 the budget is a plan that must be followed, with the
revenues that are generated for one year, and that the government can only spend
funds and pay expenses during that fiscal year period of 12 months; and noted the
Capital Budget may change as priorities change.
Mr. Edmondson noted the city may want to consider changing from a January –
December fiscal calendar, to a July – June fiscal calendar, noting a great amount of the
city’s funds come in at the end of the year, noting the city is currently utilizing 2024
funds.
Councilmember Alexander inquired about using a TAN (Tax Anticipation Note).
Mr. Milazi noted he is very familiar with TAN’s, and does not believe Stockbridge is
there yet, and that the city just needs to be fiscally responsible, noting the city’s General
Fund Balance in 2024 was $16 million dollars, and has been reduced to $3 million
dollars; and noted the city is fortunate to have multiple avenues of revenue with different
sources, and needs to use those revenue streams.
Councilmember Alexander noted there are peaks and valleys with incoming revenue,
and that a TAN must be paid off each year by December 31st.

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Mayor Ford asked what changing the fiscal year calendar would look like.
Mr. Milazi noted the city would have a 6-month year from January 1 to June 30 and an
audit to close the year, and a new fiscal year would begin from July 1 to June 30 of the
following year.
Councilmember Alexander stated he would be okay with changing the fiscal year
calendar.
Mr. Wall noted many governments utilize TAN’s, and the process would be to bid it out
to local banks, noted the interest rates are short-term, and you pay it off by December
31st and is based on 75% of the taxes from the prior year, and is used to help with cash
flow.
Mr. Milazi noted the FY2026 Budget is scheduled to be adopted on December 8, 2025;
noted there needs meeting to discuss goal setting as priorities change; noted the city
needs to hold meetings within each district for community input and to provide the
community with information so they understand the need for funding for expenses
and/or projects; and stated that beginning in September, there will be monthly financial
reports and two (2) Budget Amendments per year.
Mr. Wall noted the Audit is presented annually, and that looking back, the City Council
has lost its fiscal discipline.
Councilmember Barber asked Mr. Milazi to add a mid-year budget review to the
financial reporting.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt stated that she believes there would be challenges to the
recommendation to change the city’s current budget cycle.
Mr. Milazi state those are discussions to be worked through with the City Manager.

FY2024 Audit Presentation – Presented by: Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA - Kirk Arich and
Hope Pendegrass
The presentation gave an overview of the Engagement Team, Focus of Government,
Results, Role of the Auditor, and the Role of Management, Financial Statements, and
Internal Controls.
Mr. Arich noted the FY2024 accurate, which is a best-case scenario and seven (7)
material weaknesses and two (2) deficiencies in which management has already taken
steps to correct; noted that municipalities with a budget over $750,000 are required to
compliance report, and those who have ARPA funding are required to report, noting the
city failed to complete and submit ARPA funding on time.
Mr. Arich noted there is a new standard for GASB103 regarding Allowance, and
Appreciation Expense.
Mr. Arich referenced the Financial Statement Disclosures, noted there is a good working
relationship with management with no issues, and noted there were audit adjustments
that were made.
Mr. Arich noted the Auditor is independent, and independent of the city.

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Mr. Arich noted referenced the 2024 revenues and expenses, noting the expenditures
exceeded the revenues, and that with the new management team in place, that trend
should reverse; noting expenditures have grown and are eating into the city’s fund
balance.
Mayor Ford asked for clarification on the new GASB change.
Mr. Arich stated the change is the way the statements look, and are presented, making
it clearing for the end user.
Mr. Wall noted there is a Board that oversees GASB and noted changes for all
municipalities in the coming years.
Mr. Milazi noted the due date to the state is September 30th and is why the FY2024
results are being presented ahead of the September 30th meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt thanked Mr. Milazi for finding and fixing the gaps and thanked
him and his team for putting the city back on the right track; and stated the city hired
staff who were experts in their field; thanked the City Manager and asked that everyone
be positive and is confident in the team.
Mr. Milazi thanked his finance team for their hard work.
Councilmember Barber noted the Engagement Letter received from Mauldin & Jenkins
is address to the Governing Body, and the Audit Results should be submitted to the
Governing Body, noting she does not want to have the same issues, patterns and bad
behaviors of the previous management team, and asked the Auditors to help the city by
assuring that the Governing Body provides proper oversight; noted that for ten months
she asked for financial information, and brought several questions and concerns to the
attention of the auditors, an there was no response, noting the management team was
not following policy and procedures; thanked Mr. Milazi, and requested to see all of the
audit adjustments that were made; noted the mismanagement of funds could have been
prevented; and stated that she is serious about her role and responsibilities, and
requested the proper information to allow her to do her job
Councilmember Alexander stated there is no I in team, and that all members of the
Governing Body should be provided with the same information; and believes the city is
on good solid footing with the current team in place, and looks forward to working with
Mauldin & Jenkins, who services more than seven hundred government entities.
Councilmember Berry stated there have been tremendous progress with the new
management team and believes the right team is in place to oversee the city’s finances;
and thanked Mr. Milazi for what has been accomplished in a short period of time, noting
we know where we were, where we have been, and where we are going; noted
everyone must collaborate and support staff, and make adjustments in real time with
real time data, responses and reports; and noted he is pleased by what has happened
in the last few months.

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Mr. Edmondson noted he received the audit report last night and went through it with a
fine-toothed combed, noting the city is not running from what is in the report, stating
there are issues, and it is understood what happened; and referenced pages 115 -119,
regarding Internal Control Deficiencies and Implementation of Segregation of Duties,
noting these changes are in process; noted page 11 – 17 Unassigned General Fund is
below GFOA Best Practice; and recommended the city adopt a formal Reserve Policy
Limits for discretionary spending to never drop below the reserve amount; noted page
41 Budget over expenditures, and recommended the city require quarterly to actual
budget reports, and to train staff on maintaining department budgets; noting he will
speak more on day 3 of the Retreat with the boards and committees to follow the
footprint, noting ultimately, all of the budgets for each of the city’s boards and
committees fall on the city; referenced page 11, noting the Franchise Fees dropped,
noted Compliance Audits, Diversifying Revenue, Enterprise Fund losses,
and noted the city need to develop a 5-year plan for sponsorships; and referenced page
11 SPLOST, TSPLOST, noting an increase in funding, however, it needs to be clear
that these funds are over a specific period of time and projects need to be prioritized
based on the year of collections, and that based on how money comes in, you cannot
spend more than what is coming in; and noted the city must adopt and prioritize a multi-
year CIP (Capital Improvement Plan).
Councilmember Barber asked Mauldin & Jenkins to honor her request to provide
information directly to the Governing Body, and that she has rights to every document of
the city.
Councilmember Alexander called for a point of order, stating a councilmember cannot
direct the Auditor.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt thank Mr. Edmondson and Mr. Milazi for putting the policies and
procedures in place, noting she is confident the city is on the right track, and noted the
polices and procedures were adopted by the City Council; and noted that she agrees
that Mayor & Council are entitled to requested documents of the city, noting decisions
are made based on information received; and referenced the city’s Civility Pledge that
was adopted by the city.
Mr. Edmondson noted the FY2024 Audit Reports were being distributed to the Mayor &
Council today.
Councilmember Barber reiterated that she was seeking a response from Mauldin &
Jenkins to her request, and noted the Audit Report was delivered last evening, and that
she has not had sufficient time to review the report, however, she trusts the direction of
Mr. Edmondson, and made the request that the Governing Body receive the audit report
from the auditors when it is delivered to management simultaneously, and asked Mr.
Milazi when did he receive the audit report.
Mr. Milazi responded that he received the report at 5pm on September 23, 2025, and
forwarded the report to the Governing Body, City Manager and City Clerk.
Mr. Edmondson noted the importance of presenting the audit today for discussion.
Councilmember Barber stated that she wants to receive the report, have an opportunity
to review the report, and prepare questions or comments.
Mr. Milazi stated he has worked through the Draft copy for weeks and reviewed with the
auditors and City Manager.

5|Page
Councilmember Barber stated that she has trust issues, and stated the City Treasurer
has had time to review the audit, the City Council has not, and is being asked to
approve the document, noting she does not feel comfortable with such short notice; and
asked Mauldin and Jenkins to respond to her previous request.
Mr. Wall referenced the Enron case where because of that, the rules were changed as it
relates to Independent Auditors who cannot be judge and jury, and noted nothing in the
audit as presented can be changed, and that regarding the Findings, the Response that
is included in the Audit Report are from the Treasurer and include the Corrective Action
in the audit.
Councilmember Barber stated that she is not asking for the report to make changes,
and noted that as independent auditors, they did not inform the Governing Body, and
submitted the report to the city’s Financial Officer and City Manager; and noted her
request is not for a Draft copy of the audit and is requesting the final copy be sent to the
Governing Body as well as the City Manager and City Treasurer with no interference
and asked for Mauldin and Jenkins to respond that that request.
Mayor Ford directed Mauldin and Jenkins not to issue a response.
Mr. Milazi stated that he had no issue with adding the Governing Body to receive the
Final Copy of the Audit, Engagement Letter, or MDA (Management, Discussion &
Analysis).
Councilmember Alexander stated that he had no problem with Councilmember Barber’s
request, noting as with the Enron case, there could be ethical issues for the Governing
Body contacting the auditors, where there could be undue influence with injecting
opinions, and interfering with the results, and asked for a directive for the Treasurer and
City Manager to release the documents to the Governing Body, stating that he only
wants to see the Final report.
Councilmember Barber stated that her only reason for reaching out to Mauldin and
Jenkins was due to the fact that she had to submit an open records request to receive
the final audit report for 2022 and 2023, noting she never received the independent
audit results and had to higher reach out to the state attorney general's office and pay a
private attorney $5000 to issue a demand letter to the city which was ignored by legal,
even though she has unfettered rights to receive the information.
The City Clerk stated the information received from the finance department and
submitted to the Clerk's Office was provided to Councilmember Barber, noting the
department could only provide what was submitted.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt stated that she wants the city to follow the proper process of
releasing information to the Governing Body as requested.
Councilmember Berry ask Mr. Edmondson if there were any legal ramifications on the
Governing Body receiving documents at the same time as the City Manager and City
Treasurer.
Mr. Edmondson stated that typically auditors shy away from that although there should
not be a problem with submitting the final copy to the City Manager CFO and Governing
Body.
Council member Berry asked Mauldin & Jenkins if their SOP can be changed to allow
for that process to take place.

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Mr. Arich noted the team would consult with their firm and share the results with the
Mayor & Council.
Motion to approve the FY2024 Final Audit Report was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gantt;
Seconded by Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Councilmember Berry exited the meeting at 12:15 p.m.
Estimated Revenues and Special Services District – Presented by: Frank Milazi, City
Treasurer/CFO and Ed Wall, Financial Advisor
Mr. Milazi presented estimated revenues of $32,027,508 for FY2026.
Mr. Wall noted he received an email from Henry County Tax Commissioner, Michael
Harris with no movement, and that the tax bills were delayed and are due December 1,
with a 95% collection projected by December 31.
Mr. Wall commended Mr. Milazi for moving city funds to an interest-bearing account, a
gain of $10% or $2.7 million dollars; noted the city must be fiscally responsible going
forward, noting the importance of restoring the Fund Balance, and that the city needs to
squeeze its expenses.
Mr. Milazi noted the official proposed FY2026 Budget is required by the City Manager
and presented to the Mayor & Council by October 31.
Councilmember Berry asked what the impact on the budget would be if the city moved
with the recommendation to change the fiscal year to July to June.
Mr. Wall stated that when you transition from one fiscal year to another you have to
complete an audit, and your property tax numbers will look off because those would be
from June 30 to September 30.
Councilmember Berry noted that the city has made a concerted effort to change the
contract renewals to coincide with the current budget cycle.
Mr. Milazi noted contracts are one year and must be renewed annually.
Mr. Wall noted that with a change to the fiscal year, the contracts would be renewed for
six months or 1 ½ years to get on the new schedule and fund them one year at a time.
Mr. Edmondson agreed, noting the contracts are only for one year.
Mr. Wall noted per the Georgia Constitution, you cannot bind your successors in office.
Councilmember Alexander noted the payment schedule for the bonds were aggressive
with paying off the Amphitheater with a low interest rate.
Mayor Ford noted while this is a public meeting, there are no public comments from
attendees.
Mr. Edmondson stated that at a 95% rate, penalty fees offset the 5% gap.
Councilmember Alexander noted the city needs to pass off events to sponsorships and
be more aggressive in securing outside funding for events.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt stated that in the past fees were lower for vendors, and that the
fees need to reflect the demand.
Mr. Milazi stated the city needs to reverse the free credit card fees and pass a
Resolution to reflect that, noting the city is absorbing the fees.

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SSD - Special Services District – Mr. Ed Wall, and John Ernst
Mr. Wall referenced the SSD map approved by the City Council, noting the idea is
patterned after Brookhaven, and is a new tool in the toolbox that could help the city
generate an estimated $600 million dollars, noting the Tax Assessor shows $400 million
and that there is $200 million missing that needs to get resolve with the Tax
Commissioner.
Mr. Wall noted the SSD could fund projects such as the Community Center, the Cultural
Arts, Center and take the pressure off the General Fund; noting 1 mil = $400,000 to
$600,000, and the projects need to be identified.
Mr. Ernst noted once the SSD budget is produced, you then need to determine the
project budget and that process is: 1) Bottom Line Number is given to the Architect 2)
Architect determines programming budget, depending on funding 3) Nail down a
strategy.
Mr. Milazi noted this is separate from the city’s General Fund Budget, and the two are
not intertwined, noting the city’s millage rate of 3.77 for 2026.
Councilmember Alexander noted the SSD applies to current commercial and stated the
city needs has momentum and stated there is $10 million in the current SPLOST and
noted the city should repurpose the $24 million dollars bonded for the Cultural Arts
Center, noting the designed has already been prepared by TSW, and could go toward a
multi-generational community center; along with improvements to the downtown
infrastructure.
Mayor Ford asked if SSD funds could be used to pay off city hall.
Mr. Ernst’s response was yes.
Mayor Ford asked if TSPLOST Projects could be paid with SSD funds.
Mr. Ernst’s response was yes.
Mr. Wall noted the City Hall bonds will mature in 2031.
Councilmember noted that the SSD consist of commercial and industrial properties, and
are non-homesteaded properties, and that the downtown area is her duly elected
district, and noted the map was difficult to read, and asked that the map be updated to
include Stockbridge Lakes, if it is not already included.
Mr. Anderson noted his department GIS personnel would create a revised map with
better visibility.
Mr. Wall thought the location may have been captured, and noted Apartments and
Townhomes are considered commercial as well.
Mr. Ernst noted that if any additional properties are added to the map, their must be a
new map adopted prior to December 31.
Mr. Wall noted this is not a replacement tax, but instead a brand new tax for commercial
businesses, noting with the amenities that can be brought to the community, they will
reap the benefits.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt asked what the estimated revenue will be.
Mr. Wall noted that every 1 mil = $400,000 - $600,000.
Mr. Ernst stated that if there are no changes, the city can move forward.
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Mayor Pro Tem Gantt asked for the next steps.
Mr. Wall stated their needs to be a more detailed map created by the city’s GIS
department.
Mr. Ernst stated the city needs to get a real digest resolved in October.
Attorney Washington noted the map included annexed properties from the 2022
Referendum.
Mr. Ernst noted the city needs to prioritize the projects.
The City Clerk read the list of prioritized projects from the March 2025 Retreat:
Community Center, TSPLOST Projects, Downtown Development, Wayfinding, and
City/Municipal Buildings.
Mr. Wall noted there needs to be an amount to determine the SSD millage rate and
instruct staff to assign estimated costs for the projects.
Mr. Milazi noted money has been borrowed from the General Fund to pay for SPLOST
and TSPLOST projects, and as that revenue comes in, it has to be paid back to the
General Fund.
FY2026 Proposed Budget Presentations – Presented by Frank Milazi, Treasurer/CFO
Mr. Milazi noted the requests from the department budgets are to serve the residents
and businesses of the city; noted salaries and benefits have all been updated with the
exception of pension and insurance, which has a projected 8% increase.
Financial Administration Department Budget – Presented by Frank Milazi,
Treasurer/CFO
Mr. Milazi noted Drug Testing is moving to the HR Budget, Software is moving to the IT
Budget, and that the Finance/Administration bottom line will increase due to health
insurance, pension, and increased auditing duet to the extra work related to the
Amphitheater, investigations and other request of staff; noted Tyler maintenance
agreements and the Grant Writer moved from Executive to Finance; not bank charges
will reduce now that the funds have been moved to an interest-bearing account; noted
there was no training in 2025, and that account will increase noting the importance of
staff education and training; and noted several staff members will require memberships.
Mr. Milazi noted there will be segregation of duties assigned, noting the department is
currently understaffed, and has no administrative staff person and no Grants
Administrator.
Mayor Ford asked about the Homestead Exemption staffing.
Mr. Milazi noted that job description was revised and converted to an Accounts
Receivable position, noting the city did not have a segregated A/R person; and now all
funds received are collected through that position; noted there are now two Accounts
Payable staff personnel.
Councilmember Barber asked if personnel are being requested.
Mr. Milazi noted the requests for additional finance personnel will be made to the City
Manager.

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Mr. Milazi referenced the OpenGov software that the city has spent $250,000 to date
and nothing has been done to implement it, and that he will meet with the vendor and
City Manager on going forward, noting the city’s former Management Analyst was the
project lead and point of contact.
Councilmember Barber asked if there is a clause to terminate.
Mr. Edmondson noted his request to review all department contracts, and will assess
OpenGov, along with other contracts.
Non-Departmental Budget – Presented by Frank Milazi, Treasurer/CFO
Mr. Milazi noted the Website line item was moving to the IT Budget.
Councilmember Alexander requested decorations in District 5 in the Bridges of Jodeco
area.
Ms. Fareed noted Main Street has requested lights in the trees in the downtown area
year-round to enhance the area.
Mr. Sanders noted there was a request for $4500 for outlets being added to the poles
along M L King Sr. Heritage Trail in 2025.
Councilmember Barber noted the downtown area is Council District 4 that she
represents and is requesting that decorations be placed in every corner of the city, in
every district.
Councilmember Alexander referenced the VyStar contract where an electronic/digital
sign is required to be installed by December 31.
Attorney Washington exited the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Executive Department Budget – Presented by Frank Milazi, Treasurer/CFO
Mr. Milazi noted the Copier Rental line item was moving to IT; noted an increase in
membership expenses; noted miscellaneous will be adjusted to $1000.00; noted
Contingency has never been more than 5% of the total budget; and stated in 2025,
personnel was underestimated.
Day One Recap – Presented by Shawn Edmondson, City Manager
Mr. Edmondson stated there was great information provided, and that the biggest item
being the revenue, noting it to be conservative; noted the biggest takeaway is moving
forward and finish what has been started in 2026, noting the resources and the ability to
get it done is there, and that there needs to be proper planning and map it out; and to
also be responsive to the residents of the community that we serve.
Motion to adjourn at 2:25 p.m. was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. The motion passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

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