Clairmont Heights Civic Association

From "super" district 6 commissioner Kathie Gannon: Budget, PDK, MARTA, Prop Tax

BUDGET

First, I have been working hard to achieve our legal mandate to present a balanced 2010 Budget by March 1.  You already know the Revenue projections are bad and getting worse.  The CEO proposed budget of $583 million includes a 1.86 mil property tax increase.  Approximately $30 million more would need to be cut to avoid the tax increase.  Most of us on the Board are trying to maximize our revenue and make strategic cuts in order to minimize the negative impact to residents and employees.  As you know our budget grew over previous years in unsustainable ways, so undoing that trend is not an easy task.  Even last year, the trend continued and I could not support what included a wish list without funding sources, that was presented to some of the commissioners and the public on the day of the vote. We have made some progress to avoid that and we are continuing to evaluate all areas of the budget to determine the best way to trim more.  I am not categorically opposed to a small millage increase if absolutely necessary to maintain our public safety/justice services.  However, there are still options for more cuts before I would consider this measure. I want to thank everyone I have heard from for the suggestions on ways to reduce the County budget.  There are ONLY three Neighborhood Budget Meetings left, if you have not already attended one please try to and make your voice heard.  All meetings start at 7:00 PM.

Thursday, February 11, 2010 at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church
5365 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Torah Day School
1985 LaVista Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329

Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Berean Church
2201 Young Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088

PDK

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed to change flight patterns at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which in turn will negatively affect the flight patterns at Peachtree DeKalb Airport.  The proposal is to restructure the Class B airspace surrounding Hartsfield.  This would include decreasing the lower elevation of Class B airspace to 5,000 feet over PDK.  This change would affect Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville and all surrounding neighborhoods.  

There will be a public information / comment session on March 1st at 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm at the Chamblee Civic Center located at 3540 Broad Street Chamblee, GA.  The FAA will be there to present the proposal to the public and solicit written comments from homeowners and business owners who will be affected by the change.  

Also, the City of Chamblee City Council work Session on February 11th at 6:00pm will feature a presentation by PDK on the proposed changes. The meeting is at 3540 Broad Street Chamblee, GA 30341.

Please check my website for any change notices to the meeting date and location.  www.kathiegannon.com

MARTA

MARTA’s budget starts on July 1, 2010 and they want the community’s ideas on what routes and services should be cut, how much should they increase fares, and what are the best ways to help MARTA financially.  

The next Public Forum meeting is on Saturday February 20, 2010 at 10:00am – 12:00pm and again at 3:00pm – 5:00pm.  The meeting will be at MARTA Headquarters at 2424 Piedmont Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30234.  

To review information gathered at the previous Public Forum on February 6th or to read more information please visit the MARTA website at www.itsmarta.com.

TAX EXEMPTION DEADLINE

The 2010 Property Tax exemption deadline is March 1, 2010.  Remember if you purchased a home for your primary residence between last year and January 1, 2010 you may apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze with the county by March 1, 2010.  Also special exemptions are available for citizens 62 or older, disabled veteran or their un-remarried spouses, and other disabled residents.    

You may apply in person at any Tax Commission Office or online at www.yourdekalb.com/taxcommissioner.  If you have questions please contact
404-298-4000 with specific questions.

As always, please contact me with your thoughts and suggestions,

Kathie

Commissioner Kathie Gannon
kgannon@co.dekalb.ga.us
Our mailing address is:
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
Office - 404-371-4909
www.kathiegannon.com