Community Corner

City Leaders Present Budget at Tuesday Council Meeting












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At the Peachtree Corners City Council meeting Tuesday night city leaders presented the city's new budget which calls for a reduction of the millage rate to zero.

Despite the reduction from .85 mills to 0 mills, the new budget increased over a $1 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year. 

The city's budget in its first year of operation was $2.7 million which included $1.7 million in property tax, $500,000 in franchise fees and $500,000 in the loan the city took to use to operate on before it was able to collect property tax, franchise fees and other revenue.

The city's budget for 2013-14 is $3.8 million with the majority of its revenue source derived from business license fees ($1.8 million) and franchise fees ($1.8 million)

The increase in the budget is due to three factors said City Manager Julian Jackson. "We're basically doubling our effort in code enforcement," said Jackson. He also pointed to the additional cost of operating a city court and also anticipated interest on the loan for the 20.6-acre property the city purchased as the reason for the increase in the budget.

The rising budget had several Peachtree Corners residents concerned and spoke out during the public hearing.

Mim Harris noted that while the first year's budget contained start-up costs, she was concerned over the rising cost of running the city and also questioned why the need for increased code enforcement staff.

"Are we getting a whole lot of calls the code enforcement officer isn't able to meet?" she asked. "I've heard people say he's very responsive." Harris asked the City Council to consider looking at areas where costs can be cut.

Ali Stinson asked that the City Council remember that despite the zero millage rate that "funding this city is coming from its citizens and businesses."

Stinson also pointed out that while the idea of not paying taxes was appealing, she was "concerned about no representation because we don't have to pay any property tax."

In other news the City Council approved spending over $42,000 for audio/visual equipment to be used in the council chambers during City Council meetings.

The list of equipment included includes two 70-inch TVs and one 50-inch TV.
  • Equipment and hardware $32,313.00
  • Service Labor & Warranty: $8,970.00
  • Shipping/Handling: $1,551.00
In another action item, City Council agreed to notify Gwinnett County of its intent to terminate the residential sanitation services with the county effective Jan. 1, 2014 in order to take over those services on that date.

The next City Council meeting will be held on July 2 when the final budget will be adopted. The Council will also hear second reads on three items:

1. Allow check cashing, money orders and similar services at a Shell station on Peachtree Industrial Bouleavard.

2. Rezone a portion of property on Peachtree Corners Circle (across from the Forum) for a two-story climate controlled self storage facility.

3. Rezone the 20.6 acres across from the Forum to allow for a mixed use development.

Editor's note: The original quote of $55,000 for audio visual was incorrect, the correct amount for the cost of the equipment is $42,834.00. The information in the story which first posted at 5:30 a.m. on June 19, 2013 has been corrected.


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