Mayor and Commission Meet on Proposed Budget

With most of Athens-Clarke County's senior government employees lining the walls, the members of the ACC Commission listened as Manager Alan Reddish solemnly laid out the bare facts of the county's budget situation.

Thursday's work session was the first time Commissioners have met officially since Mayor Nancy Denson released her proposed budget last week. The Commission is scheduled to vote on a budget, either the one Denson has prepared or a compromise version, on June 7. 

The most controversial issue so far in the county's budget talks has been the proposal to eliminate bus service after 7 p.m. Commissioners echoed many of the same questions asked earlier Thursday by citizens at a held by Athens Transit.

District 8 Commissioner Andy Herod questioned whether Athens Transit would consider raising fares for night routes, and Manager Alan Reddish wondered how much revenue a five cent fare increase would yield.

Commissioners also discussed the possibility of keeping night bus service, but ending it at 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., saving the government $106,000.

The next public meeting on the budget will be Monday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the Government Building on Dougherty Street. Members of the public will be allowed to comment on the budget.