The Talking Rock Town Council on a November meeting presented a proposed 2026 budget that keeps the town’s millage rate unchanged and recommends moving money into capital and preservation priorities.

Mayor (name not specified) summarized the draft operating budget and said the town will post the proposal for 30 days before a public hearing and a Dec. 11 vote. “This budget will take effect on January 2026,” the mayor said. He framed the proposal as cautious: projected non-property-tax revenue shows little change and the town expects modest growth in business and population.

The draft holds the town hall operating budget at about $129,852 and proposes targeted changes: maintenance and repairs reduced to $15,000; a $24,000 maintenance contract; and a 3% pay increase for the town clerk, raising that position’s annual pay from $40,800 to $41,952. The mayor credited the town manager, Amanda, with several revenue and cost-saving moves, including securing $10,000 in insurance-premium-tax allocations and negotiating a switch to GIRMA for municipal insurance, a change the mayor said will save about $4,000 a year.

The council discussed proposed transfers intended to fund capital work: the mayor recommended moving $30,000 from operating into the special projects account (bringing that fund above $100,000 at the start of 2026) and transferring $20,000 into the Schoolhouse Museum account to support a structural rebuild rather than cosmetic fixes. “This is not just new paint. This is to rebuild the building, and make it safe and make it a usable building for the town,” the mayor said.

Tourism and event revenue factored into the presentation. A town staff member reported Heritage Days brought in $11,008.33 and spent $10,726.90, leaving roughly $1,106.98 net; sponsorships were included in that total. The council also reviewed prior and expected reimbursements related to franchise fees and utility billing, and the mayor said Georgia Power had adjusted the town’s bill and returned about $1,000 after correcting the number of street lights assigned to the town.

Council members asked about emergency reserves after a flood several years ago. One council member suggested creating an emergency fund or funding creek-bank stabilization to reduce future flood risk; council members did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting but directed the idea for further consideration.

Next steps: the council will post the proposed budget (paper, website and town building) for public review for 30 days, hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 and immediately proceed to the December council meeting and vote.