Wednesday, October 24, 2001
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Wednesday, October 24, 2001 |
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Easy: Vote NO 4 times, YES once The voters of Peachtree City are being asked to vote on five bond referendum questions. I would like to offer my opinions on each bond issue. Before discussing each issue, we need to examine the current economic condition within our country affecting every governmental body in the nation. The country has been in an economic slowdown well before the tragedy of Sept. 11. Fayette County citizens, including Peachtree City, are already facing increased taxes as a result of the jail bond issue, the recent school bond issue and city-county tax increases. It appears to me to be unwise public and economic policy to be requesting additional bond issues at this time. Due to a slowdown in the travel sector, it is quite likely the current motel-hotel tax is already over extended. This tax is used to fund the airport authority and the $2.7 million tennis center expansion. Incidentally, neither of these entitles has ever shown a profit and do not forecast one in the future. This is not the time to take on additional bond indebtedness. 1. Bond issue to refinance the airport authority debt. This is easy. Vote YES to save interest money. 2. Bond issue for improvement to Drake Field. While this is a desirable and worthwhile project, it should be funded out of the general revenue using impact fees. Vote NO. 3. Bond issue for construction of four playgrounds and two picnic shelters. Again, these are worthwhile projects in good economic times. Again, where are the impact fees? Vote NO. 4. Bond issue to expand the Kedron Fieldhouse. This is a worthy project in good economic times. Vote NO. 5. Bond issue to purchase a community center. This is by far the largest bond issue and the one with little support. I agree that the citizens of Peachtree City and Fayette County need a cultural arts and performing center. It should be supported by all the citizens of Fayette County. Having said that, let me now discuss the purchase of the Braelinn Baptist church property. First and foremost, this is not and was not designed as a cultural arts center. Let's not purchase a piece of property because it is available. The operating costs of this facility will be approximately $500,000 a year. This is not included in the current city budget projections. It will not and should not be considered a profit center. It will be like the airport authority and the $2.7 million tennis center expansion. Over the years this property has had numerous problems with drainage, complaints from the neighborhood concerning issues over the lights and noise from the facility. Four of the current buildings are only temporary and their temporary permits start expiring next year. If the citizens of Peachtree City and Fayette County want a cultural arts and performing center, let's do it right and do it when economic times are better. Let's not buy a pig in a poke. Vote NO. Willis Granger Peachtree City PTC Council Post 3
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