The meeting on September 14, 2026, included a proclamation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, appointment of Jacqueline Bass to the Historic Preservation Commission, swearing-in of Sarah Mays to the Roswell Housing Authority, and a major discussion on the proposed 56% millage rate increase (from 4.049 to 7.732 mills) for tax year 2026. Over 30 public speakers opposed the increase, citing financial strain and lack of transparency. The council debated the rate and ultimately passed a motion to move forward with a first reading of 5.9 mills (including debt service) as a starting point for further negotiation. Other items included approval of expansions for Champions Place, water tower branding, utility billing enforcement, river protection act approval, and a temporary moratorium on sign illumination in the historic district.
Good evening and welcome to City of Roswell Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, September 14th, 2026. I am Mayor Mary Robichot, and I would like to introduce my colleagues and council members present. Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember Sarah Beeson, Councilmember Alan Sells, Councilmember Christine Hall, Councilmember Jennifer Philippi, Councilmember Aaron Brumley, and Councilmember Chris Zach. I will now turn it over to City Administrator Randy Knighton to explain how the meeting is run. Mr. Knighton. Thank you, Mayor Roboshow, and again, welcome uh to everyone. In accordance with section chapter three point seven zero of the city code, the city council shall hold regular public meetings. And the purpose of these city council meetings are for the public to participate and speak on agenda items, which constitute formal decisions by the elected body. These items are listed on the published agenda, which can be accessed via the city website prior to the meeting. Excuse me. And public comments and questions are essential for Mayor and Council to consider as they contemplate each decision. If you wish to speak on an agenda item, we ask that you would please fill out a comment card. Karen Zitmer, with our communications department, is in the back. She has comment cards in her hand. And if it's uh necessary to have an independent conversation, we ask that you would exit the rear doors to the vestibule area. We encourage everyone in attendance and the viewing audience to visit our city websites for information on news events and uh additional meetings. And we also encourage you to participate in the various activities here in the city of Roswell and visit Roswell 365.com for a calendar of events. We thank you again for your presence here this evening, and we look forward to a very successful meeting. Mayor Robishot. Thank you, Randy. Thank you. We would like now like to welcome Randy Heck, chaplain for Roswell Police Department to deliver the invocation and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please. Let's take a moment of silence first and recall those of September 11th, 2001, all the military that have passed, our own officers who have died over the years, and those who continue to serve presently. Gracious father, we thank you for the opportunity to come in as citizens and as elected and appointed officials to discuss your business here in this community. We ask that we look at everything through the lens of informed people and ask questions so that we are informed, but also that we use your view of things and consider each person with full respect of who they are, images of you, and that we may do your business here in this community in your son's name, amen. If you'll face the flag, please place your arm over your heart. I pledge allegiance to the United States, of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. So first on the mayor's report is the proclamation recognizing September as 2026 Childhood Cancer Awareness Program. This is the fourth year of the Mighty Millie Foundation coming together with the City of Roswell to declare September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. If council would join me in front, and I would also like to welcome Stephanie Bullock, Mighty Milley Foundation board member, and Paul and Mandy Murachek, Millie's aunt and uncle, to come forward for the reading of the proclamation. Childhood cancer affects far too many children and families in our community and across the nation. Tonight, we honor those undergoing treatment, celebrate survivors, and remember the children we have lost, and stand with every family affected. We also recognize the continued need for greater awareness, research, and support. Thank you, Mayor. It is an honor to be back here again as a Roswell resident. My wife and I and sons here have been in Roswell for about 10 years. Like you said, about the fourth year that we've proclaimed this. I think this is the largest group yet. Mayor, is there something else going on tonight? But um we won't hold you up too long. But yeah, just um, you know, want to take this opportunity to just raise awareness for childhood cancer. We lost my niece, their cousin Millie about five years ago. Um hard to believe it's been that long. But after her last treatment, um, she needed a popsicle because uh, if you're not familiar, chemotherapy can be very hard uh with sores and everything. And some kids, the only nutrition they get is through a popsicle. And didn't you know those are donated to the hospitals and treatment centers? Well, they didn't have one that day.