Note: This video is from previous coverage. We are working to produce an updated clip.

QUITMAN, Ga. (WALB) — Quitman city commissioners voted on Tuesday, June 16, to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

Mayor Zinda McDaniel presented the resolution, following two public hearings held to hear from community members about the proposed changes.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Proposed Quitman budget would cut police staffing <<

One item proposed drew strong reaction: a proposed reduction to the Quitman Police Department’s staffing and funding for the 2027 fiscal year.

In the first hearing on Monday, June 8, City Manager James Lawrence stated the need for cuts the city is currently unable to balance the General Fund.

“Everything that makes up the General Fund has been reduced to match the level of revenue,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence addressed community concerns about cuts, “until our revenue increases, then we will decrease the expenditures to make sure that we have a solvent government.”

Watch the full City of Quitman Budget Vote here:

The now-adopted budget shows police department salaries budgeted at $400,000 for FY2027, a plan that would reduce the department from 17 total positions to 8 total positions.

The document describes the change as one of the most significant operational shifts in the city’s General Fund budget, warning it would reduce staffing depth, shift coverage flexibility, leave coverage, overtime capacity and the department’s ability to absorb vacancies or unexpected personnel needs.

The proposed authorized staffing listed in the budget materials totals eight positions:

• Police Chief: 1
• Assistant Chief: 1
• Captain: 1
• Certified POST officers/police personnel: 5
• Total: 8

The same document also outlines other personnel-related costs, including group insurance budgeted at $80,784, FICA budgeted at $30,600, and retirement budgeted at $11,500, noting those figures reflect the reduced staffing model.

The budget vote and discussion comes as Quitman continues facing heightened scrutiny over governance and financial accountability.

The city has not completed a full audit since 2017-2018, a longstanding issue that has fueled questions from residents and state leaders. In recent months, those concerns escalated as Georgia Rep. John LaHood, whose district includes Quitman, filed legislation that would dissolve the city’s charter.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Give us a chance’ as Quitman city leaders work to restore trust; bill introduced to dissolve the city’s charter <<

Now, city leaders have said they are working with the Georgia Municipal Association and the State Department of Audits to address the audit backlog and restore public trust.

The city’s proposed FY2027 budget is available:

The FY2027 budget will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

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