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The Americus City Council met on August 15. Twany Edwards, finance director, gave updates. She commended the department heads, City Manager, and City Clerk for keeping them under budget. She also praised public works director George Allen for repairing the sink hole in house. “I think he saved about $700,000, which was a great impact for the City.”

She stated several reasons why they were coming in under budget, including salary vacancies, monitoring overtime, and grants. However, Edwards noted that several grants would end, including ARPA.

Edwards mentioned that the 2019 revenue bond was nearly depleted. Edwards mentioned new expenses like the Humane Society contribution and E911 fees they may incur. She gave them all as key reasons the staff was considering increasing the millage rate for 2025.

 She gave the estimated value of the mill at $347,958. She gave total revenue under the current millage rate at $3,869,404.16.

Edwards stated it was staff’s recommendation to raise the millage rate from 11.12 to 12.91, which is the factor by which the mill is multiplied. She gave the new total revenue as $4,491,670.94.”

Chief Mark Scott came before the council with a request to pay the invoice for Jamtek for $199,914.55. Jamtek is a camera system operating in the Housing Authority. Chief Scott noted he had already made an arrest based on the system.

Mayor Lee Kinnamon questioned Scott. “Does this indicate the efficiency and worthiness of future camera installations in your estimation?”

Scott replied. “This has turned out to be a really great system. It’s extremely clear.” He mentioned it’s capabilities. “It does facial recognition.”