Dunwoody’s proposed 2023 Budget released for public and Council review

The proposed budget prioritizes public safety and allocates American Rescue Plan funding to continue supporting the Dunwoody community.

 Press Release    &    2023 Budget Download

Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and City Manager Eric Linton transmitted the proposed 2023 Budget for the City of Dunwoody to the full Council today, as required by the City’s Charter. The proposed General Fund Budget of $30.2 million for 2023 is close to a million dollars less than the current year’s budget. The all-funds budget, which includes SPLOST, is down by $9 million in 2023 compared to 2022.

“We continue to operate under uncertainty created by the lingering impact of the pandemic,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “This budget prioritizes publicsafety by keeping our compensation competitive, providing best-in-areabenefits, and allowing for equipment updates and improvements. We also continue to allocate American Rescue Plan dollars to help our community, our residents, and our businesses.”

The proposed budget includes a 4% pay increase for all public safety and city staff effective on the first pay period of the year. In addition, $2.75 million of SPLOST funding is dedicated to roadresurfacing to keep the 20-year plan on track. The plan calls for the repavingof all public roads in Dunwoody in the City’s first 20 years, prioritizing those with the greatest maintenance needs.

Dunwoody began allocating $18.4 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding in 2022. The 2023 budget includes ARP funding for nonprofits that assist residents in need, entrepreneurial support and cybersecurity, among other economic recovery needs.

The City enters 2023 with the lowest aggregate tax rate compared to all cities in DeKalb County and unincorporated DeKalb, even with this year’s millage rate increase to the cap created by the City’s founders. The aggregate rate compares county taxes, plus city taxes, plus school taxes. In June 2022, the DunwoodyCity Council increased the General Fund millage rate to 3.040 mills. This increase provides for additional police pay increases, which total 24.8% over the past three years for most officers. With residential assessed values frozen and a one-mill reduction given to all homesteaded properties, revenue growth has been limited to cover compensation issues.

“We are committed to transparency as it relates to the city’s finances,” added Mayor Deutsch. “Over the past year, we’ve invited Dunwoody residents to engage in a series of conversations. Staff, Council, and I have shared information about the City’s budget and provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions and provide feedback. We will continue these discussions into 2023, focusing on revenue, city services, and capital needs. “

The City’s Budget Committee will hold meetings on Wednesday, September 7 at noon and Thursday, September 8 at 9 a.m. to review the proposed 2023 Budget. The Budget Committee is comprised of Councilmembers Stacey Harris, Joe Seconder and Tom Lambert. The meetings will take place at City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road. City Council must adopt the budget before the end of November 2022, allowing for two full months of public input and comment. The budget can be found on the City of Dunwoody website under the Finance Department tab and using this link.