A ‘united’ Mableton city council approves spending plan, much more

In a remarkable display of unity, the Mableton City Council unanimously endorsed a $3.5 million spending plan, charting the financial course for the city until June 30, 2024. The decision, reached during Thursday’s meeting at the Riverside Epicenter, marked the culmination of months of deliberation and discourse within both the community and the council.

Noteworthy was Councilwoman Patricia Auch’s unexpected vote in favor of the plan, despite being a vocal critic for months. While she expressed ongoing concerns about the expedited presentation and approval process, Auch’s affirmative vote contributed to the Council’s rare unanimity.

Mayor Michael Owens emphasized the city’s commitment to transparency in financial matters, stating, “We wanted to make sure, again, that we’re being transparent and forthright about the money that is coming in, and the expected expenditures that we are going to have.”

In addition to the spending plan, the council unanimously passed a resolution adopting a preliminary classification and payment plan for 13 positions. This move paves the way for hiring key roles, including a city manager, community development director, and IT director.

The approved budget outlines expenditures of approximately $3.5 million, with projected revenues of around $3.8 million over the next seven months. Motor vehicle taxes are anticipated to generate $2.25 million, leaving the city with a surplus of just over $309,000 when the new fiscal year commences on July 1, 2024.

Further demonstrating proactive governance, the council also voted 7-0 to enact an occupation tax ordinance, enabling the city to collect fees from business licenses issued in Mableton starting December 13. This shift ensures that occupation taxes will directly benefit Mableton’s government rather than being routed through Cobb County.

During the meeting, there were expressions of disappointment from some Mableton citizens as well as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman T.J. Ferguson regarding the Cobb Board of Commissioners’ rezoning approval near Six Flags Over Georgia. The approval allows for the closed Wingate hotel to be converted into affordable housing for veterans. 

Stating his support for veterans, Ferguson said, “The Six Flags area will be an entertainment district for the city of Mableton. I asked the Board of Commissioners to stop putting things in Mableton that other jurisdictions don’t want.”

Ferguson encouraged citizens to have their voices heard at 100 Cherokee Street, the location of the Board of Commission meetings.