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Forsyth County approves $232.8 million budget Commercial growth outpaces residential By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Commission approved a $232.8 million budget for 2026 amid an unprecedented uptick in business growth. Commissioners unanimously approved the budget at an Aug. 21 meeting. This year, business growth outpaced residential properties, reversing a trend county leaders have long highlighted as a priority. The county’s commercial tax base grew 13 percent compared to 3.5 percent the previous year, County CFO Brian Clark said. The residential tax digest grew 8 percent compared to 9.3 percent in 2024. “That is definitely something we are interested in seeing,” Clark said previously. Public safety will receive the largest share in the 2026 budget, followed by general government expenses and cultural and recreational costs. The 2026 budget marks an increase of about $17.5 million in spending – up 8 percent from the current year. Alex Warner, president & CEO of the county’s Chamber of Commerce, said he credits Forward Forsyth, a public-private partnership to grow local business, for the commercial surge.
See BUDGET, Page 12
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Commissioners Kerry Hill, left, and Laura Semanson discuss the 2026 budget during an Aug. 21 meeting that saw its unanimous approval.
Cumming councilman receives challenger FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Cumming voters will see one contested city race on their ballots in November. All council seats are at-large positions, and voters will cast votes for all three posts.
ROI
matters.
Post 2 Councilman Jason Evans is challenged by George Robert Notel II. Mayor Troy Brumbalow and Post 1 Councilman Chad Crane are unopposed. Residents can register to vote up until
Oct. 6. Advanced voting will occur Oct. 14 to 31. Check your voter registration status and find more information at vote.gov. Appen Media will be working to edu-
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