The Grenada City Council was presented the proposed FYE 26 budget for the first time last Thursday evening during a special-called meeting at City Hall.
Once Mayor Charles H. Latham called the meeting to order, City Manager Dr. Trina George addressed the seven-member Council, all of which were marked present with Ward 7 Councilman Ronald J. Merriman participating via telephone following an illness.
“So this budget is more than just numbers on paper,” Dr. George began. “It is a reflection of our city’s priorities, our physical realities and our responsibility to the approximately 13,000 residents who rely on us every day. My goal in presenting this budget tonight is to ensure transparency, demonstrate careful stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars and align our resources with the services our community values most.”
The City of Grenada is currently operating with projected total budget revenue of $17,862,746 (62.1 percent) or $11,092,765 of such revenue being obtained through ad valorem taxes.
Dr. George went on to explain how her team prepared the FYE 26 budget, which has total projected revenue of $15,790,924. Of that amount, 55.2 percent or $8,716,590 is proposed to be financed through a total ad valorem tax levy.
“As we prepared this budget, we were guided by several key principles,” Dr. George explained. “First, fiscal responsibility, maintaining a balanced budget and avoiding spending beyond our means. Second, protecting essential services, public safety, water and wastewater reliability, streets and sanitation remain at the forefront. And third, making strategic investments, infrastructure upgrades, capital projects and improvements in technology and efficiency that will serve us not only this year, but for the years to come.”
As Dr. George spoke, Councilmembers reviewed prepared documents provided to them prior to the meeting.
“So in summary, this budget is built on our primary revenue resources — property taxes, sale taxes and utility revenues, while also leveraging grant opportunities where possible,” Dr. George continued. “At the same time, we are navigating financial pressures from rising costs, staff challenges and aging infrastructure. Despite these challenges, this proposal includes meaningful investment. In public safety, we are ensuring that our police, fire and EMS services remain strong and responsive. In public works, we are prioritizing water and sewer reliability, street repairs and core infrastructures. And in parks and community services, we are continuing to invest in the quality of life for our residents.”
Dr. George added that the proposed FYE 26 budget was designed to “provide stability today, while positioning ourselves for long term sustainability.”
“It reflects tough choices, but opportunities to modernize and strengthen how we serve our community,” Dr. George concluded. “With that, I look forward to your questions and direction as we move into discussion. This is your budget for your city, and together, we will ensure that it reflects both physical stewardship and the trust of our citizens.”
The Council asked Dr. George a few questions, but agreed to hold another special-called budget meeting at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 27, after they have had time to review the proposed documents.
“This is a good starting point; good job,” Ward 3 Councilman Lewis Johnson commented following the presentation. “It’s time to do some tweaking.”
A Public Hearing on the proposed budget and proposed tax levies is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at City Hall, located at 108 S. Main St.
