Woodstock

August

Rez Arts Night

Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m., Resurrection Anglican Church

Enjoy art presented by more than 20 local artists, centered around the theme, “For the Beauty of the Church.” Cody Curtis will teach on faith and the arts at the free event. https://rezwoodstock.org/artsnight

Bryce Leatherwood Concert

Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m., Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater

The Whiskey Rose Band will open the free concert. www.woodstockparksandrec.com

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market

Through Dec. 30, 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Market Street https://visitwoodstockga.com/eventgroup/farm-fresh-market

Woodstock Arts www.woodstockarts.org

The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe

Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m., Woodstock Arts Theatre

Get ready to roll down the aisles with laughter. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content).

The Lasting Laugh

Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m., Woodstock Arts Theatre

The monthly comedy series brings in Atlanta-based comedians, with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12-plus (content).

“LatinX Voices”

Aug. 10-Oct. 8, the Reeves House

This exhibit will help promote diversity and inclusion within the community, showcasing the talents and perspectives of LatinX artists.

Jazz Night

Aug. 23, 6 p.m., the Reeves House

Unwind with live music and wine. Tables and chairs are provided.

MadLife Stage & Studios

Events listed are held monthly at 8722 Main St. http://madlifestageandstudios.com

The 2023 Atlanta Blues Challenge, presented by The Atlanta Blues Society, Aug. 20, 1 p.m.

Electric Avenue: The ’80s MTV Experience, Aug. 25, 7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.

Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

Downtown Woodstock Walking Tour Series

Tours offered every 30 minutes from 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. Sales begin two weeks before the tour date at the Woodstock Visitors Center or on the Downtown Woodstock Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information, call 770-924-0406.

The Art of Woodstock - Aug. 31

How Downtown Woodstock Revitalized - Sept. 28

Weird Woodstock - Oct. 26

Woodstock Summer Concert Series www.woodstockconcertseries.com.

The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater.

Completely Unchained:

Van Halen Tribute - Aug. 12

Drivin N Cryin - Sept. 9

Lantern Series

At the Woodstock Arts Event Green; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.woodstockarts.org.

Penny & Sparrow - Aug. 5

Nefesh Mountain - Aug. 26

Parson James - Sept. 30

Fox Royale - Oct. 21

Among our City Council’s many important duties, the most critical is the passage of a fiscally responsible, balanced budget every year. On June 12, council passed — and I signed — the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget ordinance. Its execution takes effect July 1 and will end June 30, 2024.

I am very proud of our council and staff for crafting a budget that accounts for a full millage rate rollback, meaning the city will lower its tax rate to ensure that property value increases over the past year won’t result in an increase in your city property taxes. We’re assessing some of the lowest tax rates in metro Atlanta in Woodstock, while still delivering an exceptionally high quality of life and city services for our residents.

The most telling way to discover a person’s priorities is to take a look at their checkbook. The same principle applies to governments. This column will cover a high-level breakdown of Woodstock’s FY 2024 budget, and we’ll examine where our city focuses its attention. The total budget this year allocates $93,232,841 spread over five funds, with a total general fund expenditure of $29,298,284.

The first two departments, police and fire, comprise 50% of our city’s budget. Our city’s No. 1 priority is public safety, and the numbers prove that. I also want to highlight that this represents a 15% increase in spending on public safety over last year’s fiscal year, due to a historic 26% starting pay increase for our police officers. We’re investing in those who keep us safe in Woodstock.

The next 26% of our budget is allocated across Public Works (infrastructure), Parks and Recreation, Information Technology and our city’s judicial branch.

These six departments together comprise roughly 75% of our total budget, leaving all remaining portions of our government spread across the final 25%.

Now, you’ve seen the receipts. What do these figures tell us about our city’s priorities? First and foremost, we’re prioritizing a safe city. We’re doing so by investing historically in public safety compensation and attracting the best and brightest in the field to ensure our city maintains its impressively low crime rates and remains among the safest cities in Georgia.

Water-Sewer - 15.3%

Storm Water - 1.7% ..................................................$1.54 million million

Special/Internal Service - 26.9% ..............................$25.10 million

Most of these funds are dedicated toward specific purposes, ie., Water-Sewer is a separate fund intended to sustain our clean water and sewer treatment services. The General Fund comprises the majority of our direct budget activity and serves as the best place to identify priorities. It divides as follows:

Police - 28.63%

We’re also making massive investments in our infrastructure. From roadways to water and sewer, we’re ensuring our city’s physical foundations are built to last and will operate effectively for residents and visitors. We’re investing in generational assets in the form of parks and green space, and we’ll be exploring ways that we can do even more on this front as the year progresses. The remainder of our budget is invested in critical priorities, like economic development, community development, information technology and more.

We’re investing heavily in the areas that will build a sustainable, vibrant Woodstock for the next generation while maintaining some of the lowest tax rates in our region. Together, we have built an incredible city and community, and I am proud to report that you have a council and staff who are intent on being good stewards with the resources you lend them to maintain that best-in-class sense of place and quality of life. We are hard at work to leave a city to our children that they will be proud to inherit, and we’re grateful for your trust.

— Mayor Michael Caldwell

READERS’ CHOICE 2023

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S POLL

We are excited to celebrate you and the contributions you make to our community. We know you’re proud and ready to announce your success!

If you won your category, we have prepared a few items to help you celebrate:

• Window cling

• Certi cate

• Digital award graphic to post on your website, Facebook page or other social media outlets

To receive these items, email readerschoice@aroundaboutmagazines. com with the following information:

• Business name and mailing address

• Contact person’s email address and phone number

It’s essential for us to have your contact information so we can make sure you have all you need to celebrate properly.

Another way to share your good news — and thank the community for voting for you — is through a ank You ad. For more information on ads, email michelle.smith@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.