|
|
County Commissioners Vote to Spend 20% of HOST in Budget |
| Jan 27, 2005 |
The Story
BY THERESA WOODGEARD
DeKalb County commissioners gave their nod of approval to add $17 million to the county budget for capital improvements in a 6-1 vote during their regualr commission meeting in January.
DeKalb County commissioners gave their nod of approval to add $17 million to the county budget for capital improvements in a 6-1 vote during their regular commission meeting on Jan. 25. The additional funds will come out of the homestead option sales tax to pay for sidewalks, road improvements and streetscapes, bringing the total county budget to $522 million. That formula will leave taxpayers with 80 percent property tax relief, the same as last year.
Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones original budget proposal of $504.8 left less than $2 million for infrastructure improvements. After proposing 99.9 percent of HOST go to homeowners in his original budget proposal in December, Jones said he would leave the decision of whether or not to spend a portion of the countyâs sales tax revenue for improvements up to the commissioners. By law, up to 20 percent of HOST money can be spent for capital improvements. The remaining 80 percent must go toward property tax relief.
Commissioner Elaine Boyer who voted against the budget said the vote would force a tax increase for homeowners. "If the CEO presented a budget that included sidewalks, turn signals and other necessary improvements, he wouldnât put commissioners in the position of raising taxes for infrastructure needs", Boyer said. "Infrastructure projects should be a no-brainer in any budget presented by the CEO, and it should be funded with available revenues. But the CEO would rather just spend, spend, spend while taxpayers pay, pay, pay."
Burrell Ellis DeKalb county commissioner and presiding officer said, "I am pleased we were able to reach a consensus to ensure HOST proceeds are used for the most critical needs all over the County. This is a stellar example of how public input and good communications can be a catalyst for positive results." County revenue sources include: 50.4 percent from property taxes, 17.1 percent from the HOST tax, 26.5 percent from other revenue sources with 6 percent in the fund balance.
Commissioners voted to allocate $550,000 in matching funds for Transportation Enhancement and CMAQ projects including in downtown Lithonia, Main Street in Tucker, a multi-use path in South River and sidewalks from Redan Road to Memorial Drive. Matching funds of $650,000 were approved for Livable Center Initiative Projects in the Emory Village and one in the Northlake area. In the Perimeter area, $1.5 million was approved for matching funds in districts one and six to spend on sidewalks and streetscapes.
More than $4 million of HOST money will be spent on new sidewalks in all seven districts. Nearly $5 million will be spent on ongoing projects including road improvements bike and pedestrian trails.
Boyer complained that the 2005 budget includes 143 new positions plus increases above and beyond what departments asked for and that since 2001, when Jones took office county personnel has increased by 600 workers.
Boyer said she would continue to vote against budgets that increase property taxes. The owner of a $200,000 home saw the county portion of their property tax bill jump between 2000 and 2004 from $78 to $464, according to Boyer.
Budget changes from 2004 include a 6.4 increase for Public Safety. Funding includes $1 million for 27 police officers now funded by a federal grant that will expand in 2006, funding for a 311 non-emergency system that will add 11 positions to the Police Department budget and $1.2 million to add 57 positions in the Sheriffâs office. The recommended increase in jail employees is the result of a staffing study. The additional staff is anticipated to reduce the need for overtime expenses.
Upgrades in public safety and judicial facilities will require $2.9 million in lease payments for the purchase and renovation of new Police and Fire Rescue headquarters, police precincts, fire stations and the completion of the courthouse renovation. County commissioner voted to issue $50 million in revenue bonds to pay for the upgrades and the purchase of the two buildings in the Northlake area that will house the police and fire headquarters.
Parks spending will increase 7.1 percent. Funds are included to staff the Brook Run Recreation Center, the Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and a senior center that will open this year. The 2005 budget includes a recommended 3 percent salary increase for county employees. |
|
