Johns Creek City Council Meeting – July 27, 2026

The Johns Creek City Council met on July 27, 2026, at 7:15 PM (agenda listed 7:00 PM) at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on the FY2027 proposed budget, a resolution to intervene in Fulton County’s tax collection petition, and an ordinance to amend the FY26 budget. The council also heard public comment on stormwater erosion and budget concerns, received the manager’s monthly report, and held an executive session for legal and personnel matters.

Consent Calendar

• O2026-07-13: Ordinance to amend Chapter 38 (Parks and Recreation) to regulate electric bicycles and electric scooters in parks.
• O2026-07-15: Ordinance to amend Chapter 54 (Traffic and Vehicles) to include parking violations and restrictions.
• R2026-07-12: Resolution establishing a parking enforcement fee schedule.
• Action Item: Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with Fulton County for TSPLOST.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Simon (resident of Seven Oaks, 30-year homeowner): Expressed concern about stormwater runoff and creek erosion on his property, noting severe erosion from a July 4 storm that caused creek levels to rise 8–10 feet and washed away large tree trunks. He requested the city recognize that erosion is not solely a homeowner’s responsibility, citing original development approvals that allowed building near waterways. He acknowledged city stormwater staff Roman for visiting his property.
• Sean Rogers (homeowner, during budget public hearing): Asked the council to adopt the rollback millage rate of 3.297 mills instead of the proposed 3.492 mills, unless a clear justification for the additional revenue is provided. He requested explanation of how much revenue the higher rate would generate, what programs it would fund, and what alternatives were considered.

Public Hearing: FY2027 Budget

Finance Director Harpreet Wall presented the proposed FY2027 budget. Key points:

• Total budget: $83.2 million (balanced, no draw on fund balance).
• Revenues: Largest sources are local option sales tax ($28.5 million, 34%) and property taxes ($23.4 million, 28%). Sales tax projection is $1.5 million lower than FY2026 due to post-FIFA normalization and economic uncertainty.
• Property tax calculation: Assumes an estimated rollback rate of 3.470 mills (official digest not yet received from Fulton County).
• Expenditures: Police and fire combined account for 43% of general fund expenditures. Personnel costs of $46.2 million (4% increase over FY2026 revised) maintain 291 full-time employees, with merit increases of 3.3% for staff and 3.5% for department heads, and an 8% increase in health benefits.
• New initiatives: Funding for public safety (police vehicles, fire engine replacement, tethered drone), stormwater grant program and new pond dredging grant, recreation center engineering, trail connections, and continued strategic priorities in public safety, economic development, recreation, transportation, and arts.
• Next steps: Work sessions on August 10 and August 24, second public hearing and adoption on September 14.

Councilmember questions were deferred to the work session held earlier that day. The public hearing was closed after one speaker.

Resolution: Temporary Tax Collection Relief

Assistant City Manager Kay Love presented R2026-07-12, authorizing the city to intervene in Fulton County’s petition for temporary tax collection relief. The county has not yet provided the tax digest; a hearing is set for August 4, 2026. The temporary collection order would allow billing based on last year’s millage rate and property values, with adjustments (refunds or additional bills) later. The resolution ensures the city is entitled to any relief granted. Councilmember questions clarified that the process does not cost the city additional legal fees and that the council’s millage rate decision is merely delayed. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ordinance: FY26 Budget Amendment

Councilmember Elwood moved O2026-07-14 (moved from consent to new business) to amend the FY26 budget. The amendment would use $1.2 million from infrastructure maintenance accrual funds for land acquisition. Councilmember Skinner argued the funds should come from the capital projects reserve instead, preferring to maintain accrual funds for their original purpose. City Manager Kimberly Grier explained that the FY2027 budget calibration assumed the $1.2 million would come from the accrual fund, but that either source is acceptable. After debate, the motion passed with one dissenting vote (Councilmember Skinner).

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (G1, G3, G4, G5) unanimously.
• Approved minutes of July 13, 2026 work session, millage rate hearings, and council meeting.
• Approved resolution to intervene in Fulton County tax collection petition (unanimous).
• Approved FY26 budget amendment (O2026-07-14) with one dissenting vote.
• Closed public hearing on FY2027 budget; further work sessions scheduled.
• Held executive session for land, legal, and personnel matters; no action reported.
• Adjourned at an undisclosed time after executive session.