Says funding, greenbelt protection among top issues

Peachtree City Councilman Steve Boone recently confirmed that he plans to run for re-election to his Post 3 seat.

Boone is a partner in a company that provides contracted services to the military and as such he says he appreciates even more how the city balances its budget while providing services.

During his three-plus years on council, the city has tackled a number of significant issues including the eventual scuttling of the controversial TDK Extension project. The City Council’s no vote killed what would have been a road extension into Coweta County including a bridge over Line Creek. Critics also said the road would lead to traffic issues on Ga. Highway 74, particularly after a 3,000 home subdivision was announced to be located just across the county line in Coweta.

Boone, who has lived here since 1994, contends the city made the right decision to shut the project down. He also stands by the decision to cut 23 public works employees and replace them with a private landscaping firm, but that saved about $875,000, he added.

“I know some people wee upset about public works and I felt bad but there was nothing we could do,” Boone said. He acknowledged that some citizens were disappointed the private landscaping service didn’t start up as quickly as hoped.

The city still faces major challenges ahead in the funding department, and the key, Boone says, is to generate more sales tax revenue.

“Hopefully our citizens shop here before looking outside the city,” Boone said. Sales taxes help offset the need for property taxes, and with some citizens on fixed incomes property taxes are a burden, he said.

“In today’s economy, raising taxes is just not the right thing to do,” Boone said.

Among other challenges facing the city is the need to attract “Class A” retail stores such as a Costco, Boone said. The city development authority is working with Georgia Tech students on a program to help get businesses located in empty storefronts, he added.

Boone said the city also faces a challenge in maintaining and protecting its greenbelt areas.

“Another challenge is having a harmonious city council by supporting each other and the decisions that are made,” Boone said.

Boone lauded city staff for being incredibly hard working.

“They work an inordinate amount of hours to provide the things we as city council need and the prepare us very well for council meetings,” Boone said.

A resident of the Planterra Ridge subdivision, Boone says the city is fortunate to have great people.

“The other thing about Peachtree City is how friendly our people are here,” Boone said. “A lot of people come in visiting from out of town and remark all the time about how friendly our citizens are.”