Question 1

Where does municipal finance data come from?

Accepted Answer

Municipal finance data comes from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Report of Local Government Finance (RLGF), filed annually by every Georgia city and county under O.C.G.A. § 36-81-8.1. Audits are also filed with the GA DOAA (Department of Audits and Accounts).

Question 2

What are the main revenue sources for a municipality?

Accepted Answer

Most Georgia cities rely on property taxes (ad valorem), local option sales tax (LOST, 1%), special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST, 1%), franchise fees on utilities, insurance premium taxes, occupation tax (business license), hotel/motel taxes, charges for services, and state-shared revenues. Georgia has no state-level revenue sharing to municipalities beyond specific grants.

Question 3

What is a General Fund and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The General Fund is the municipality's primary operating fund. It covers core services like police, fire, public works, and administration. A healthy General Fund balance (typically 25-50% of annual expenditures) indicates the town can handle unexpected expenses without raising taxes or cutting services.

Question 4

How current is this financial data?

Accepted Answer

GA DCA RLGF data typically lags 12-18 months behind the current fiscal year (which ends December 31 or June 30 depending on the city). The most recent year with complete data is usually one to two fiscal years prior.

Bethlehem, GA

Bethlehem Municipal Budget

Finances — FY 2023