Cornelia commission adopts FY2026 budget, approves 5.4% water and sewer rate increase

On September 2, 2025, the Cornelia City Commission held a public hearing and discussed a proposed FY2026 budget. The proposed General Fund Operating Budget was $6,518,360, an increase of $316,078 over 2025.

The same day, the commission voted 4-0 to approve 2026 water and sewer rates, including a 5.4% rate increase to help fund a Wastewater Plant expansion, while leaving off a proposed increase to tap fees.

On October 7, 2025, the commission voted 4-0 to adopt the 2026 budget, with Commissioner Cook making the motion, seconded by Commissioner Griggs. As approved, the General Fund totals $6,532,329 and the Water & Sewer Fund totals $15,167,528, an increase of $2,352,565 over 2025. The budget maintains the 9.5 millage rate, raises Fire Protection fees 5%, and uses $254,729 from fund balance plus a $1,000,000 transfer from the Water & Sewer Fund to balance the General Fund.

The approved budget lists capital projects including a $40,000,000 Wastewater Plant Expansion, with the Water and Sewer Fund's increase largely attributed to major capital projects.

At its January 27, 2026 meeting, the Cornelia Water & Sewerage Authority noted that the 5.4% water and sewer rate increase had been approved at the September 2025 Commission meeting.