While the July 20 City Council meeting covered a wide range of topics, one of the evening's most memorable moments came when Council recognized long-time volunteer Nan Buckner for her exceptional service to the City's Equestrian Committee. Buckner was presented with a commemorative plaque on behalf of Councilmember Phil Cranmer and the City of Milton in recognition of her years of dedication and lasting contributions to preserving Milton's equestrian heritage.

Councilmember Cranmer noted that Buckner's dedication has helped strengthen and preserve one of the qualities that makes Milton unique.

"Volunteer service is one of the greatest gifts a person can give their community," Cranmer stated.

While serving on the committee, Buckner not only shared her time, expertise, and passion to advance Milton's equestrian community but also made extensive efforts to improve communication and education about the unique world of equestrians. Her efforts included creating educational resources on the effects of fireworks on horses, developing Milton's first farm and horse population census to support planning and preservation efforts, and leading horse-handling training for Milton police officers and firefighters to enhance public safety.

Buckner also played a key role in planning the annual Meet the Neighbors event, which gives residents an opportunity to learn about Milton's equestrian community while fostering stronger connections between horse owners and their neighbors. As the owner of an equestrian tack and horse supply store, she served as a trusted resource, advocate, and ambassador for the local equestrian community.

"The impact of volunteer leadership is measured by the legacy it leaves behind," Cranmer said. "Nan's legacy is one of education, preservation, public safety and commitment to protecting the equestrian heritage that defines the City."

City Council thanked Buckner for her years of service and dedication to preserving the equestrian character that continues to distinguish Milton, honoring her lasting impact on the City.

Prior to the recognition of appreciation for Nan Buckner, the Council unanimously approved the meeting’s Consent Agenda which included agreements between the City and:

• LJA Engineering, Inc for construction engineering and inspection at the Morris Road widening project
• Hatley Plans LLC for the 2026 Capital Improvements Element Annual Update of the City’s development impact fee program
• The City of Alpharetta regarding the land acquisition for the SR 140/Arnold Mill Road at Green Road intersection improvement project

In addition, Council also approved the Subdivision Plat and Revisions for a minor plat on Hopewell Road which subdivided and existing 2.93-acre parcel into two parcels consisting of 1.51 acres and 1.42 acres.

Following the recognition of appreciation for Nan Buckner, Fulton County Chief Operating Officer Dr. Pamela Roshell updated the City Council on the County's new Behavioral Health and Human Services facility, which is now open and serving residents in the northern part of Fulton County.

The facility brings a wide range of services together under one roof, making it easier for residents to access behavioral health care, developmental disability support, senior services, Board of Health resources, customer service assistance, Recovery Treatment Court programs, and vital records. The location also serves as an early voting site.

County officials emphasized what the facility is not. It is not a homeless shelter, housing facility, emergency room, crisis center, law enforcement operation, or residential treatment center.

Residents can also access County services through the Fulton Cares mobile app, which connects users with available programs and resources. In addition, nonprofit organizations may be eligible to apply for opioid abatement settlement funding, with applications due by Aug. 12.

Residents interested in learning more about the facility and available services can visit fultoncountyga.gov/helpishere.

City Council received an update on the development of Milton's proposed FY 2027 budget, including a five-year financial forecast and a seven-year Capital Improvement Plan. The discussion was part of the City's ongoing budget process and gave Council an opportunity to review the City's long-term financial outlook and provide feedback before the proposed budget is finalized.

City staff said the preliminary forecast was developed using conservative revenue estimates and is designed to keep the City on a financially sustainable path while continuing to provide the services residents expect. The forecast also reflects Council priorities, long-term planning efforts, current staffing needs, and future capital investments.

No action was taken during the meeting. The presentation was informational only and did not authorize any spending. Staff will incorporate Council's feedback as they continue refining the proposed FY 2027 budget, which will be presented during the August budget workshop before moving to public hearings and final adoption in September.

Tax digest item approved

At the start of the meeting, City Attorney Ken Jarrard requested the addition of a New Business item to the agenda. Council unanimously approved adding Agenda Item No. 26-211, which authorizes the City of Milton to intervene in a petition filed in Fulton County Superior Court related to the 2026 Fulton County tax digest.

Jarrard explained that Fulton County filed the petition after identifying irregularities with the tax digest that could delay property tax collections. Because Milton relies on the County's property assessments to levy and collect City taxes, joining the petition helps ensure the City has clear legal authority to collect taxes while the matter is resolved. Jarrard noted that Alpharetta is taking similar action and that the legal proceedings are expected to move quickly.

Data center moratorium extended

During the approval of the agenda, Council officially canceled the public hearing related to Agenda Item No. 26-207 based on Staff direction.

Council held a public hearing on Agenda Item No. 26-208, the proposed extension of the temporary moratorium on new data center applications. The item was presented by City Attorney Ken Jarrard, who explained that the moratorium serves as a planning tool, allowing City staff additional time to review the City's zoning regulations and Unified Development Code (UDC).

The temporary pause also provides time for public input while the City evaluates its regulations. During the hearing, two residents provide public comments before Council unanimously approved the resolution extending the moratorium for up to 180 days. The moratorium is expected to remain in place through January 2027 unless Council determines the review is complete and lifts it sooner.

The City Council approved a minor revision to the final plat for Bridlefield Phase 3, presented by Land Development Administrator and City Arborist Sandra DeWitt.

DeWitt explained that the changes were administrative in nature and involved adding column easements to Lots 103 and 114. The overall subdivision layout remains unchanged. The Bridlefield Phase 3 development received its original approval in March, and this revision reflects only these minor updates to the final plat.

The City Council’s next Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 3.