The City Council approved the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget at the Monday, June 15th meeting. 

Chief Financial Officer Larry Lawrence formally presented the 2026-2027 Proposed Fiscal Year budget to the public at the June 8th Council workshop. The 2026-2027 budget shows a decrease in projected spending and continued smart sourcing of grant funds to supplement tax-payer dollars. 

The Total Fiscal Year budget for 2026-2027 reflects a decrease of $2,302,195 from the 2025-2026 budget, due mainly to a decrease in Capital project expenditures. Additionally, the City’s General Fund Budget, also known as the general operating budget, is $81,952 less than last year’s budget. 

CFO Lawrence reports that the City is anticipated to end this fiscal year with a $15,500,000 reserve for future needs, which equals an approximate 9 ½ month reserve for General Fund operating expenditures. 

In addition to responsible spending of tax-payer dollars, the City has also received over $10,600,000 from grants and special tax to supplement local funding for critical infrastructure and community improvement projects. The following is a detailed list of the City’s awards:

Some of these grants are the result of the City’s achievements and designations, such as the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) designation. 

The GICH Community designation led to the City’s 2023 Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant in 2023 and 2025 and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in 2024.

GICH helps communities improve quality of life and economic vitality through the development of locally-driven housing and revitalization initiatives. 

Tifton’s financial management reflects regard for citizens’ hard-earned tax funds, genuine care for the needs of our community, and a desire for sustainable forward movement and growth. The City’s vision is to continuously grow a safe and thriving community by providing progressive city services delivered with integrity and friendliness. To learn more about Tifton, please visit www.tiftonga.gov