Report: State feels weight of new market conditions ► PAGE 4
September 11, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
Dunwoody releases proposed ’26 budget DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and City Manager Eric Linton released the city’s proposed 2026 budget, a $70.5 million plan calling for a slight decrease in overall spending from last year. Deutsch and Linton say they developed the budget with a focus on public safety and customer service, while maintaining strong financial reserves. The 2026 budget represents a 0.15 percent decrease in spending from the amended 2025 budget, which officials say reflects discipline and long-term fiscal stewardship. The first presentation of the proposed budget is set for a special-called City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. There are also regularly scheduled council meetings at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 and Sept. 29. Following the first presentation, there will be two required public hearings at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 and Oct. 27. The budget period aligns with the calendar year. Elected officials must approve a spending plan before Nov. 1. In their budget letter, Deutsch and Linton wrote that the city remains in a strong financial position heading into 2026 with a focus on staying adaptable for the future. “Historical stewardship of funds has placed the city in a strong position as it moves forward,” the letter says. “This budget has been developed using all information, data and tools available at this time, but with the understanding that budgets are dynamic.” Key highlights of the proposed budget include: • General Fund: $38.0 million, representing a 2.71 percent increase, primarily for employee compensation, benefits, contract escalations and maintenance/utility costs. • Public Safety Investment: $14.5 million for the Police Department, supporting personnel, technology and operational needs.
See BUDGET, Page 21
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From left, James and Mike Palumbo get a haircut from Kevin Lam, the new owner of the Dunwoody Barber Shop, after community legend Ernie “the Barber” Smith sold it amid health challenges last year. Lam said he needs the Dunwoody community’s support to keep the barber shop afloat.
Beloved barber shop sustains small-town feel By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Longtime Dunwoody residents know Ernie “the Barber” Smith but have not been able to get a haircut from the local legend since he experienced health problems last May. After 40 years of service in Dunwoody, residents only call Smith by his first name. Not too long ago, almost everyone in the city knew Ernie. The barber shop is on the first floor of the
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Dunwoody Professional Building at 5064 Nandina Lane next to the Shops of Dunwoody and the Village. Former City Councilman Terry Nall, an active community member who routinely answers his neighbors’ questions on the Dunwoody Area Community Forum, said Ernie has had some serious health issues some 18 months ago. “He is known to most people as just Ernie. I doubt many even know his last name,” Nall wrote.
See BARBER, Page 9