Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz submitted a budget to the Commission for review on Friday. The General Fund Budget totals $212.5 million for Operating and Capital Expenses, over $10 million more than last year’s budget. The Operating and Capital Budget for all funds totals $377.3 million, over $30 million more than last year. The millage rate, which is used to calculate property taxes, will stay the same at 12.25 mills.

The increase in total money spent would come from greater expenditures on public safety, quasi-governmental agencies like Advantage Behavioral Health, the judicial system, and other departments. The budget also makes room for scheduled pay increases for county employees. 

Read more at WGAU.