They say they are ready for June 19. And that sentiment was easily evidenced May 19 as 200 Chattahoochee Hill Country residents heard the latest information on the June vote to accept the charter of the new city and exercise local control for the first time.
Georgia State University’s Prof. Robert Eger gave an updated view of the proposed city’s financial status, showing the new city with $2.632 million in revenues, $2.546 in expenses and $85,996 in the black. Those figures represent conservative estimates, Eger said of the city that will cover approximately 33,000 acres but has less than 2,100 residents. Eger’s sample budget figures showed $522,000 earmarked for police, $564,000 for fire protection, $202,000 for highways and streets, $168,000 for parks and recreation and $195,000 for community development. The largest revenue line items, based on 2006 figures, showed property taxes at $990,000 and the new city’s share of local sales taxes at $550,000. The most important feature of the revenue and expenditure calculations, said Eger, is that the City of Chattahoochee Hills is in the black.
“When I was putting your information together I could never get you in the red,” Eger said in explaining the viability he found in the new city. “I drove up expenses and drove down revenues to see if you stayed in the black. You did and you are viable. And you’ve got at least three percent in reserve. But no matter what I did I couldn’t get you in the red.”
Organizing committee President Tom Reed told the 200 in attendance at Georgia Baptist Children’s Home the group’s primary goal was to research community concerns and determine the new city’s financial viability. While organizing committee members during late 2006 and throughout 2007 have answered city-related questions at numerous informational meetings, it was the final tally of the new city’s finances that was present in the minds of many.
“We want a locally protected, locally controlled community,” said Reed. “The Fulton County Commission cannot effectively take care of this little corner of the county.”
Formed in October, the Chatt Hills Organizing Committee continues to grow, now with 140 volunteers serving on a dozen committees pertinent to a successful vote and running the new city. Those committees include Community Services, Campaign, Administration, Fundraising, Government Development, City Services, Public Information, Finance, Legal, Volunteer Coordination, Voter Registration and Steering.
Interested residents can visit info@chatthills.org