The Harlem City Council adopted the city’s proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025, during its meeting Monday night. The council’s hearing on the budget was Nov. 18, followed by further discussion on it during the council’s work session on Nov. 21.
City Manager Debra Moore reiterated that Harlem’s total operating budget amount for next year is $4,618,420, representing a 16.72% increase from the 2024 budget.
Councilmembers would also vote unanimously to approve adding membership in the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) fund. GIRMA is the Georgia Municipal Association’s liability insurance fund, pooled from premiums of participating cities. Monday’s resolution was to have the city contribute to the GIRMA fund towards the Georgia First Responder PTSD Program, established by HB 451.
Also called the Ashley Wilson Act, HB 451 requires Georgia public entities to offer supplemental benefits to first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, separately from health insurance coverage for the same, or for other mental health issues. The Ashley Wilson Act goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
The council voted to amend the times of its monthly meetings, as well. Normally, Harlem City Council meets on the fourth Monday of every month, at 7 p.m. The meetings are preceded by work sessions discussing the items on the meeting agenda, on the Thursday prior to the fourth Monday. Due to the amending resolution, the councilmembers will convene for the work session on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., immediately followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.
The resolution also moves the public comment portion from the end to the beginning of each meeting.
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
