News

Commissioners approve FY2022 budget

Commissioners recognized Nov. 4 as the start of Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” It symbolizes the victory of dharma, and good over evil, and is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains..

FORSYTH COUNTY , Ga. – The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to adopt the $164.2 million FY 2022 budget that includes a 4 percent increase in the cost of living allowance for all county employees and an increase in the allowance for the employees 401(k) during Thursday’s meeting.

If approved, the General Fund budget will be balanced at $164,174,088 and will include a 4 percent increase in the cost of living allowance (COLA) for all county employees as well as an increase in the budget allowance for employees 401(k) match.

The largest expenditure is the $57,557,045 budget for the Sheriff’s Office, a 6.7 percent increase over 2021. The fire department will operate on a budget of $32,426,794.The millage rate remains unchanged.

Kirk Wintersteen, who said he has attended county commission work sessions the last 10 years, said, “I believe the county commission is being careful with the money. The majority of the budget goes to public safety. It goes to the Sheriff’s Office. It goes to Fire Services. Our sheriff is doing a great job.”

The Board also approved a number of county initiated zonings and Agribusiness conditional use permits (CUP) that will preserve farmland in the county.

Commissioners unanimously approved CUPs for: Kinzey Farms on Jot’em Down Road; Warbington Farm Road on Crow Road; Castleberry Farm on Westbrook Road; Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm on John Burruss Road; Henderson Farm on Pilgrim Mill Road.

Chairwoman Cindy Mills said she was happy about preserving the county’s farmland.

“I feel really happy that we have changed over 500 acres of property tonight just by my estimation,” she said. “We have plenty of residential and not enough agriculture.”

The Board also approved a request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA3171 (QBQ Properties, LLC. an alternate design for Floor and Decor Outlets, Inc. regarding exterior paint colors and amendments to the Unified Development Code related to Sheds in A1 within Chapters 3, 15, and 16.

Commissioner Alfred John was unanimously selected to be Chairman for 2022.