Peachtree City Council plans contract renewal for municipal judge amid fee increase

During the Peachtree City Council Workshop Meeting on October 4, 2024, city officials discussed several key issues impacting local residents, particularly concerning waste management and judicial contracts.

One of the primary topics was the proposed increase in fees for the city's mulch and recycling centers. Officials highlighted the need for additional supervisors to manage the centers effectively, suggesting that raising the annual fee from $4 to $12 would help cover these costs. This change aims to ensure that the centers remain operational and can handle the anticipated increase in workload. The council is considering restricting access to these facilities to Peachtree City residents only, which would involve implementing a check-in system to enhance security and service quality.

Additionally, the council addressed the implications of these changes on residential waste collection. While the proposed fee increase could potentially be passed on to residents by waste haulers, city officials assured that a marketing strategy would be developed to communicate these changes clearly to the public.

Another significant discussion centered around the renewal of the municipal judge's contract. Due to a new state law requiring two-year contracts for judges, the council plans to renew the judge's contract effective October 1, 2024. This renewal will also see an increase in the judge's hourly fee from $150 to $200, aligning it with other legal fees the city incurs. This adjustment is expected to streamline budgeting through September 2026.

As the council prepares for these changes, they emphasize the importance of transparency and communication with residents to ensure a smooth transition and continued service quality in Peachtree City.