Warner Robins City Council Listens to Citizens’ Budget Concerns

Citizens of Warner Robins filled the City Council Chambers, to voice their concern over the proposed budget.

Many said they are concerned the budget will raise taxes that shouldn’t be raised. Many were also concerned the Mayor’s plan, will cut too much funding from the police force.

Mayor Chuck Shaheen says, the police force will only see budget cuts in areas like repairs, fuel costs, and jail bonds.

But on paper, the police force looks like it is not going to receive the more than $200,000 it did last year. Shaheen says, that isn’t the case.

“I want you to see clearly,” Shaheen said. “We’re not cutting the police department $212,000. We just took it out of another fund.”

Shaheen also said, this year’s budget will actually hire seven new police officers to the force.

 The Mayor’s proposed budget also includes an increase in the millage rate, which will cost the average household about $2.50 a month. Shaheen says this will generate an estimated two million dollars per year.

City Council did not vote on the budget Monday night. A date has yet to be set for that vote.