Atlanta staring down budget deficit

The state of Georgia as a whole is still doing well financially, with its $16.5 billion in reserves serving as a bulwark even as troubling economic winds blow.  But things aren’t as sunny for the city of Atlanta, where projections show a looming $33 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2025.  With major pay hikes for city employees and law enforcement the main culprits, the City Council is scrambling to find ways to rein in spending and maintain the city’s AAA bond rating.  And with early warning there’s still time to do so – but budget concerns have Atlanta’s finances DRIFTING…