FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 17, 2025
TIFTON, Ga. – Interim City Manager Larry Lawrence presented the 2025-2026 Proposed Fiscal Year budget to the public at the June 9, 2025 Council workshop. The 2025-2026 budget showed decreases in projected spending and continued sourcing of grant funds to supplement tax-payer dollars.
The City Council approved the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget at the Monday, June 16th meeting.
Mayor Julie Smith reflected at the June 9th workshop, “Hats off to the management team for making sure that the people’s money is spent frugally and conscientiously. I think that is reflected in this [2025-2026] budget.”
The Total Fiscal Year budget for 2025-2026 reflects a decrease of $9,422,651 from the 2024-2025 budget, including a $6,095,365 decrease in capital projects expenditures.
In addition to responsible spending of tax-payer dollars, the City has also received over $15 million dollars 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 WaterFirst Community designation and the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) designation.
As a WaterFirst Community, Tifton is eligible for financial and other benefits from the state. Becoming a WaterFirst community demonstrates a local government's commitment to responsible water stewardship for environmental and economic benefits today and in the future. For instance, Tifton is eligible for interest rate reductions on loans made from GEFA’s Georgia Fund, priority for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources 319 Grant Program, and eligibility for annual applications to the CDBG fund for water-related projects.
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.tifton.net
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