CITY OF  Cleveland GEORGIA  Cleveland City Council Called Meeting Minutes Friday,July! 28, 2023-6 6:45P.M. Cleveland Community Center/Police Department 342 Campbell Street, Cleveland, GA  1. Call to Order  Mayor Turner called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.  PRESENT:  Mayor Josh Turner, Council Members Nan Bowen, Rebecca Yardley (Mayor Pro Tem), Also present were City Administrator Kevin Harris, City Attorney Keith Whitaker, and  Jeremy McClure, and C.J. McDonald  City Clerk Lisa Ritchie 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve Agenda  Motion by Council Member Yardley, seconded by Council Member McClure,and  voted, unanimously, to approve the agenda. 2023 MILLAGE RATE AND DIGEST  Mayor Turner sated that he is opposition to an increase in property taxes and the council's position not to take a full roll-back. Mayor Turner stated the following reasons he is not in agreement to retain the current millage rate:  1) Citizens are paying more for basic goods and services, and transportation when the country is facing inflation and high interest 2) The City Council has adopted a balanced budget without a need for a 3) An additional estimated $72,000 in tax revenue is not going to make a significant impact in increasing operations and services provided by  rates. tax increase. the city.    4. Adoption  Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member Yardley, and voted, unanimously, to approve retaining the millage rate of 5.056. Council Member McDonald stated that his concerns are that the current general fund would carry the city approximately 27 days and the general rule is to have a 3to6 Council Member Bowen stated their support for retaining the millage rate.  months operating budget available at all times.  Council Member McClure stated added that there are too many unforeseen expenses. Council Member Yardley stated that she struggled with the decision. She said they have a vision for the future and to take care of the citizens the financial standings  have to be taken care of.  Mayor Turner stated that iti is a bad time to raise taxes on citizens.  EXECUTIVE SESSION  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald and  voted,unanimously. to enter an Executive Session at 6:53 p.m. 5. Discussion regarding personnel, and real estate  Motion by Council Member Yardley, seconded by Council Member Bowen and voted, unanimously, to adjourn the Executive Session and return to the City Council Meeting Council Member McDonald opened the door to allow citizens to return to the regular  at 7:25 p.m.  meeting. Samantha Sinclair returned to the meeting.  ADJOURN  Motion by Council Member Yardley,seconded by Council Member McClure and voted, unanimously, to adjourn the City Council Called Meeting of July 28, 2023, at 7:25 p.m.  AAL Jéremy McClure  Josh Turner  Mayor  Council Member Ward3  MalbPuL Nan Bowen  COimul C.J. McDonald  Council Member Ward 1  Council Member Ward 4    8 City Clerk  Rebecca Yardley  Counci Ward2 Mayor Pro Tem  Lisa A. Ritchie  Bade