100% method, 60% method, Legislative procedure and referendum
Taxes: yes taxes are higher
Davis Fox from Druid Hills interjected. He has done an extensive analysis comparing taxes in City of Atlanta vs Unincorporated DeKalb. The results are posted on the Druid Hills website and will be updated by the end of next week. In summary, the higher taxes in Atlanta are more a matter of perception than fact. There is a small progressive increase as property value goes up.
Annexed area becomes part of Atlanta Public Schools
A.P.S. considers a contractual agreement with DeKalb County Board of Education to educate children within its borders – payment in kind.
How this is actually worked out will be challenging. Mary Margaret said she believed the school issue was the most difficult and most important issue regarding annexation.
The issue of annexation is connected to the issue of cityhood: i.e. the state legislature will decide on cityhood and will then weigh in on annexation based on how cityhood affects neighborhoods outside of the proposed new city.
Atlanta infrastructure initiatives
$250 million infrastructure improvement bond up for referendum
No tax increase is being sought to service the bond. The city is pursuing budget and operations efficiencies to service the debt (about $25 million/year.)
Seeking additional $50 million per year from existing revenue to devote to infrastructure improvements.
Atlanta tax revenue is currently $90 million less than it was in 2008. Despite the decrease Alex claims the city is providing more and better services than it was before.
Alex is willing to come to neighborhoods to give informative presentations and answer questions.
David and Ron highly recommend we take advantage of this.
Justin Critz (DHCA President) hopes for a decision by Thanksgiving on whether Druid Hills will pursue annexation.
Anne Wallace will publish a list of meeting participants so that we may keep a discussion going
There was general discussion about getting the word out to our neighbors and educating them. Also, the use of surveys (needs to be well crafted and needs to go to all households).
Another meeting to be scheduled in two weeks. Same location, same day, same time.