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Warner Robins, Houston County budget decisions coming down the pipeline

Warner Robins could approve its 2025 budget Monday night, and Houston County is set to discuss theirs on Tuesday.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — If you need a new couch, bed or home art, Phillips Furniture on Watson Boulevard welcomes you in. 

"We have free local delivery, we have good prices and sales, and we love our customers," Linda Lombardi shared. 

Lombardi is the manager at the furniture store. She has worked to help furnish homes at an affordable price for nearly 40 years. Lombardi's hoping she can save herself a bit of money this fall when property tax bills go out. 

Both Warner Robins and Houston County could pass their 2025 budgets. Warner Robins is planning a budget of $159.7 million, a smaller budget than last year. Houston County is planning a budget of $181 million, which is an increase. Next week in Houston County final spending decisions could be approved. 

Earlier this month, the Warner Robins City Council announced their goal to provide relief. 

"They all did state that they are interested in entertaining a rollback," Mayor LaRhonda Patrick told us at the June 3 council meeting.

This would mean taxes you pay to Warner Robins would stay roughly the same.

"That's important with everything being inflated lately. A little light at the end of the tunnel, so we appreciate it," Lombardi said. 

Lombardi says she appreciates how the city plans to use their $159 million budget. They're throwing $36 million toward public safety.

"It will provide more protection for the citizens so they'll feel more safe here, they'll want to live here," she said.

Lombardi says she's already seen improvement in crime prevention, blight clean-up and more. She's looking to see more change down the street.

"We're excited about seeing Commercial Circle come to life again, and new businesses and people moving in that are going to need furniture," Lombardi said.

Warner Robins has over $22 million in capital funds and $3 million in development that could go there.

Plus the mayor says they've set aside money for community initiatives, like to help customer service.

"That shows our constituents we're trying to do something new that will directly benefit them outside of the normal business operations," Patrick shared.

Lombardi says she thinks the plans will continue to have great long term economic impacts.

"I think the new mayor and all of the employees are doing a great job trying to keep up and make improvements," she said.

If you would like to appeal your property tax reassessment, you have until July 1.

Warner Robins could give final approval after public meetings at noon and 4:00 p.m. Monday.

Houston County will meet to discuss the budget Tuesday at the County Annex in Warner Robins at 5:00 p.m.

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