The Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Mayor’s Recommended Budget for July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) has been submitted to the Commission for review. This budget is balanced and includes a General Fund Operating and Capital Budget that totals $166.4 million for FY23, which is 12.1% higher than the FY22 level.

The budget year begins on July 1. In advance of the beginning of the fiscal year, departments and constitutional officials submit operating and capital budget requests for review by the Manager and the Mayor. The Mayor submits a recommended budget to the Commission for review by April 30 each year. The Commission reviews the Mayor’s Recommended Budget and can make any adjustments necessary prior to adopting the budget in June.

The FY23 Mayor’s Recommended Budget proposes a millage rate of 13.20 for property tax year 2022, a 0.50 mill decrease compared to last year’s rate. Each mill of this rate produces $1 of taxes for every $1,000 of assessed property value as determined by the Tax Assessor’s Office.

Before the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission finalizes the FY23 Budget and sets the 2022 millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the budget.

Additional specific information on the budget, including the full FY23 Mayor’s Recommended Budget, is available at www.accgov.com/budget. A budget summary section is also available as part of the overall budget document.

The Mayor and Commission approved a Strategic Plan for ACCGov for FY23-FY25 on March 1, 2022. The goals, strategies, and initiatives in this Strategic Plan will help guide budget priorities.