budget

Mayor Edward Toledano (center) and city councilman Danny Gorman have a chat during a recent meeting at the Salem Volunteer Fire Department. City officials are looking into improving the water system. (Ansley Gavlak/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Mayor Edward Toledano (center) and city councilman Danny Gorman have a chat during a recent meeting at the Salem Volunteer Fire Department. City officials are looking into improving the water system. (Ansley Gavlak/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Maxeys explores agency funding for water system repairs, upgrades

Ansley Gavlak
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Maxeys plans to work with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to determine its loan eligibility for water system repairs and upgrades.
Casey Marbutt, Project Manager at SPG Planners & Engineers, speaks to commissioners on behalf of Andy Barrs, CEO of Barrs Industries. Marbutt told commissioners about the details of the mixed-density residential development, including its aim to take developmental pressure off rural areas in the county. (Kimberly Thomas/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Casey Marbutt, Project Manager at SPG Planners & Engineers, speaks to commissioners on behalf of Andy Barrs, CEO of Barrs Industries. Marbutt told commissioners about the details of the mixed-density residential development, including its aim to take developmental pressure off rural areas in the county. (Kimberly Thomas/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Commission OKs subdivision, RV ordinance changes

Kimberly Thomas
Thursday, November 6, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners approved revisions to the county’s subdivision and recreational vehicle ordinances at its meeting on Monday night, following a recommendation from the zoning board.  The commissioners approved the changes 4-0.
Graphic/Sophia Eppley

Graphic/Sophia Eppley

County budget on agenda for commission meeting

Sophia Eppley
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Oglethorpe County usually allocates the majority of its budget to public safety, specifically to the Sheriff's Office, jail and emergency medical services (EMS).  The FY26 budget, which is being finalized and will be on the agenda for the Board of Commissioners at their Oct. 6 meeting (6 p.m.

Lexington budget rises $118K, but is balanced

Zach Leggio
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Lexington approved its budget for the 2025 fiscal year at $646,740, which includes a $118,803 increase. A large portion of the budget is dedicated to water services, which cost the city roughly $389,000. The budget, however, remains balanced.

BOE plans to use savings to cover budget deficit

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
A surplus in savings led the Oglethorpe County Board of Education to approve its budget for 2025-26.  The $30.8 million budget includes a nearly $3 million deficit, which will be covered by the school system’s fund equity, or savings account. Expenses are expected to be $33.7 million.
Superintendent Beverley Levine attends the BOE meeting via Zoom while she’s visiting family in South Africa. The BOE approved the 2026 budget on Tuesday. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

Superintendent Beverley Levine attends the BOE meeting via Zoom while she’s visiting family in South Africa. The BOE approved the 2026 budget on Tuesday. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

BOE approves deficit budget at $30.8 million

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education unanimously approved the budget for the 2026 fiscal year at its meeting on Tuesday. The total revenue is projected at $30.8 million and the total expenses at $33.7 million, resulting in a nearly $3 million deficit.
CAITLIN DOWNING/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO David Kidd, the Oglethorpe County representative on Advantage Behavioral Health System’s Community Service Board, said support from the Board of Commissioners could help the group receive funding.

CAITLIN DOWNING/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO David Kidd, the Oglethorpe County representative on Advantage Behavioral Health System’s Community Service Board, said support from the Board of Commissioners could help the group receive funding.

Commissioners add funds to E-911 budget

Caitlin Downing
Thursday, October 5, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to add $110,000 to the Enhanced 911 budget at its Monday meeting.   The money will be used to hire two new positions, starting in January, as mandated by state legislation.