The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 proposed budget with a 5-2 vote. The balanced budget of $103,827,520 will go into effect July 1 and includes no tax increase for County residents.

The approved budget reflects a 1.7% increase from the previous fiscal year and prioritizes employee compensation, public safety and essential services.

Key components of the budget include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees, a new minimum starting wage of $15 per hour, competitive pay adjustments for law enforcement personnel and operational improvements within the Solid Waste Department.

District 3 Commissioner Clinton Johnson emphasized the County’s commitment to its workforce.

“This budget reflects a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees and establishes a $15 starting wage,” Johnson said. “We also made adjustments to ensure our law enforcement officers remain competitive and addressed critical needs in solid waste. While the budget remains fairly flat, it clearly reflects our priorities in supporting our departments and doing everything we can to help them succeed.”

Johnson added that employees currently earning below the new minimum wage will be adjusted to $15 per hour, while those above that threshold will receive the COLA increase effective July 1.

Chairman Lorenzo Heard highlighted the importance of investing in employees.

“Taking care of people is one of the most important things a county can do,” Heard said. “This budget reflects our commitment to supporting our workforce while being mindful of our residents by not increasing taxes.”

County leadership also recognized the efforts of department heads and the Finance Department in developing a balanced budget while maintaining essential services.