The Finance Department manages the City of Americus’ financial resources and safeguards its assets through appropriate controls and accounting practices. There are 14 members of our team that work diligently to assist all citizens with their concerns. The department provides many services to include:
• Cash management and collections
• Paying all the City of Americus’ vendors
• Payroll
• Utility billing and payments
• Business license administration
• Property tax administration and collections
• Preparation of the annual budget
• Preparation for the annual audit and annual financial statement preparation
• All accounting functions
We provide most services through our drive-thru and inside with our customer service representatives. We have representatives that are fluent in Spanish to assist our Hispanic population as well.
Our property tax information is provided by the Sumter County Tax Assessor’s office. We use this information to ensure that we properly bill property owners for taxes. The current year, 2017, property tax payments are due Dec. 20, 2017, to avoid interest.
Drop boxes are located at the following locations:
• Rubo’s on Ga. Highway 30
• Lee Street entrance of the Municipal Building parking lot
• Entrance of the Customer Service Center on Forsyth Street.

Two of the programs are offered to assist our citizens are the senior utility discount program as well as an equal payment plan option for natural gas customers.
In January 2018, the sanitation rates for all City of Americus customers will have a slight increase of 3 percent. This increase is associated with the increase cost for sanitation services via Advanced Disposal. For our residential customers, the monthly rate will increase from $24.73 to $25.47.
We want you to know that we listen, we care, we want to make a difference and are here to assist you with all your utility bill, property tax, business license, and other financial concerns. If we can’t assist you, we will do all that we can to point you in the right direction. Visit the City’s website at www.americusga.gov to find out more about the Finance Department and our team.
From all of us at the City of Americus’ Finance Department, Happy Holidays.

Diadra Powell is chief financial officer, City of Americus.