Wednesday, September 5, 2001
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Wednesday, September 5, 2001 |
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13% hike in PTC tax rate eyed By JOHN MUNFORD
The Peachtree City Council may adopt its 2002 budget at its regular meeting Thursday night. The budget includes a proposed property tax rate of 4.35 mills, equal to a 13.3 percent increase. The hike would cost an extra $40 for persons owning a home with a fair market value of $200,000. Since the budget calls for an increase in property tax revenues, it will be the subject of several more public hearings. The tax rate was rolled back last year by council from 4.06 to 3.84 mills in an effort to avoid a tax increase due to increased property valuations. Mayor Bob Lenox, and other council members, have characterized that decision as a mistake. Most of the budget cuts this year came from the city's public improvement program. One project was cut from this year: a satellite auto maintenance facility. Also, part of the facility buildout plan was cut, which includes the renovation of City Hall and the Public Works building. Both the satellite auto facility and the renovations will eventually be funded through a long-term financing plan called the Bricks and Mortar program. Projects set for next year which were cut totalled almost $117,000, including the library expansion and $40,000 for playgrounds. Another $40,000 was left in the budget for playgrounds. Council's contingency fund was also reduced $150,000 in the effort to pare down the tax increase. Departmental operating budgets were reduced by more than $75,000. Councilman Steve Rapson said he doesn't see the need to increase the city's millage this year. But other council members have said holding off on a property tax increase could mislead the public as voters prepare to vote on the city's proposed projects in the bond referendum. Some of those projects, such as the $2.6 million community center, will increase the city's operating budget and in turn will require tax increases.
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