Mayor and Treasurer Thomas urged Athens City Council on Nov. 10 to place a 0.2 percentage‑point city income‑tax levy on the May 2026 primary ballot to address structural pressures on the general fund.

“We have modified this levy to where it would be 0.2%,” the mayor said, describing the change as a smaller proposal than the 0.3% figure previously considered. Treasurer Thomas presented a revenue estimate based on 2024 receipts: “If you did a 0.2 increase and let's just say everything remains standard... you could bring in about another $1,800,000 in income tax,” he said, noting that after required allocations to bonds and designated programs the general‑fund share would be smaller (the treasurer estimated a little over $1 million would flow to the general fund under current allocation rules).

Speakers emphasized timing and outreach. Both the mayor and treasurer warned that any revenue from a successful levy would not appear immediately; collections lag and the city would not realize much of the fiscal benefit until calendar 2027. Council members urged the administration to prepare detailed, factual materials for voters explaining exactly what the revenue would fund and how it would impact services and reserve ratios.

Public commenters and council members urged careful, transparent outreach and explained legal limits on use of city resources in advocacy. Council members also discussed the filing deadline (roughly 90 days before the election) and recommended holding forums with civic groups such as the League of Women Voters within the months preceding the vote.

No formal council vote to place the question on the ballot is recorded in the committee session minutes; council members discussed next steps and schedules for drafting the ballot language and public engagement if the council decides to proceed.