Questions for Peachtree City candidates

1. Based on current zoning, there are roughly 1,400 more homes to be built before running out of virgin residential-zoned space. Do you see any need for the city to expand its borders through annexation for any zoning category? Why or why not? Please explain what type of development — if any — the city needs more of, how it will be paid for and where you think such annexation makes the most sense.

2. Do you support the rezoning of industrial-zoned property to any residential use? Also tell us specifically whether you support or oppose the Callula Hill project that would convert land in the city’s industrial park into an upscale “lake view” subdivision, and if so, tell us why or why not. Also, spell out whether this proposal does or does not represent spot zoning.

3. This has been one of the most painful budget years in the city’s history. Grade the City Council on personnel cutbacks and how it handled the funding shortfall. Explain exactly what you would have done differently.

4. If the city had to cut another $1 million out of the coming year’s budget, what specific actions would you take to balance the budget?

5. Under what conditions — if any — would you support an increase in the city property tax?

6. What is your opinion about Peachtree City selling city streets to a developer so as to enable a much larger shopping center to be built on Ga. Highway 54 West?

7. What will you vote to do to insure that the city’s existing village centers remain economically viable?

8. Will you vote for or against the countywide SPLOST renewal? Why or why not?

9. Describe your general political philosophy, particularly regarding local government.

Answers from Cyndi Plunkett, candidate for mayor

1. Annexations can be considered to protect city borders and the land use plan against possible encroachments by less desirable zoning restrictions. Peachtree City’s current borders are very well established and any future annexations would need to meet very strict standards.

I am aware of only one tract of land, a 49-acre tract along Robinson road, which could be considered for possible annexation. The Robinson tract is surrounded on three sides by Peachtree City and is currently zoned agricultural.

As long as it stays a beautiful horse farm, I personally see no value in pursuing any change. The property owners have indicated that they may seek rezoning to commercial. If this occurs, PTC should consider annexation to protect the integrity of its borders. We would want to zone the property in compliance with the county land use of low density 1-to-2-acre lots.

2. Both Planterra subdivision and Wilshire are examples of industrial zoned property rezoned to residential use. Although I appreciate both neighborhoods and believe they add value to our community, the fact remains that the rezonings caused unintended consequences in the surrounding areas. In the last four years, we have tightened our ordinances to protect residential buffers from future development. At this time I cannot envision any future rezonings of industrial land to residential.

Callula Hill was a plan presented by the land owners. They envisioned a lake community of upscale homes and presented their plan to many residents during the planning process. It soon became evident that the project faced challenges, such as the airport safety zone and lack of access to the villages. The majority of the City Council did not support this plan. I did not support Callula Hill.

I am proud of the fact that I have consistently supported the land use plan. As Lake McIntosh becomes a reality, I look forward to leading the city to find ways to include the lake as part of our amenities package while preserving our overall plan.

Finally, based on my understanding of zoning laws, this rezoning would have constituted spot zoning.

3. This council faced the most significant budget crisis the city has known. This perfect storm evolved from several factors: the economy, a serious shortfall in sales tax collection, the fact that the city is at build-out, previous councils’ failure to fund an approved library bond and current council’s goal to increase public safety.

Through effective planning and efficient staff management, we were able to anticipate many of the budget shortfalls and prepare accordingly. We looked for and found ways to better manage our tax dollars and I pledge to continue to do so.

Tough economic times call for tough decisions as well. The city’s employees have endured sacrifices from freezing pay increases and sharing the burden of higher healthcare premiums. We put off capital improvements. In addition, the city made the decision to get out of the grass-cutting business. This final change alone saved the city over $800,000.

Furloughing the grass-cutting personnel caused a temporary degradation in the services Peachtree City citizens expect. We struggled in the spring to keep the grass mowed. We worked through the major kinks and have revised the contract to maintain an adequate mowing schedule. As we move forward, we will be able to maintain the quality we expect and while deriving significant savings.

With belt-tightening and hard work, we balanced the 2010 budget without raising property taxes. We listened to the citizens and got to work. Although the city might need to use reserves to help balance the budget, we still maintain a sizable reserve and our AAA bond rating.

I am proud of the job the current council did during these tough economic times. We have done a good job, but there is always room for improvement. We did more with less and we need to continue to deliver quality service in a cost-effective fashion in good times too.

As mayor I would continue to rely on our professionals for budget projections and would shape policy to fund those areas vital to the success of our city. Peachtree City is unique. We cannot sacrifice the things that make PTC special.

4. The next mayor of Peachtree City could potentially be leading the city through its worst financial crisis. If the economy does not turn around and additional revenue streams are not identified, cutting another million dollars out of the city budget will be a reality. We will need professional leadership to weather the storm. I have managed a business, made payroll and have the educational skill set required to lead the city if this financial crisis occurs.

I will do as I have always done and roll up my sleeves, and work with the staff and the citizens to prioritize. As a City Council member I have worked on four budgets and I know how the process works. I know the questions to ask, and when I do not know the answer, I listen to the experts.

While the path ahead might be tough, it is imperative that our city has a professional leader who will work cooperatively to balance the budget and maintain our quality of life.

5. Tax increases should be avoided. However, city government is charged with providing essential services. In Peachtree City you can call a fireman or police officer. You can also play on the baseball fields, visit the amphitheater, drive on the cart paths or check out a book. When you take advantage of these things, you actually see your tax dollars at work.

What separates Peachtree City from other communities is the combination of public safety, fantastic schools and top-notch amenities. Leadership means being able to make tough decisions and understanding what is important. I embrace PTC’s quality of life, and I will work hard to protect it while remaining a fiscal conservative.

6. The 54 West property has been zoned commercial since the 1970s. In 2001, an overlay plan was created that defined the commercial corridor and included the traffic light at this shopping center. Former Mayor Brown sat on this committee and adopted this plan under his council.

The commercial zoning and the overlay would have permitted the gas station and the fast food restaurant and numerous other applications for this corner. Subsequently, the council sought to update the plan, while not deviating from the land use plan or the zoning.

The council appointed a citizens group to review and see if they could plan a better product. The committee spent countless hours, met with hundreds of citizens and made its recommendations and the planning commission recommended the plan.

The council approved a development agreement that allowed for buildings with less than 50,000 square feet, in hopes of the possibility of a grocery store (we were courting Fresh Market) and other high-end retail.

The streets in question already existed and were going to be used by the developer and maintained by our tax dollars. Peachtree City does not own any of the roads in any of the commercial centers.

With 54 West, the city was able to negotiate compensation for the usage, with the developer responsible for the expense of bringing the road up to code and its maintenance.

The property was always going to be a commercial development and the council had an obligation to try and create something better. In this case, better meant enhanced architectural designs, additional buffers, restricted certain commercial uses, and secured landscaping along Highway 54.

7. It is vitally important to our way of life and our local economy that the city’s existing village centers remain vibrant. I will continue to work with the Peachtree City Development Authority to secure quality tenants for our villages. Once potential tenants are identified, I will continue to facilitate any recruiting campaign to encourage locating in Peachtree City.

There are discussions about the possibilities of Tax Advantage Districts (TADs), but we must be cautious of its unintended consequences. We have voted to tighten our ordinances to preserve the quality of our commercial shopping centers. I will continue to work with the planning staff and legal authorities to ensure our ordinances are viable and enforced.

In addition, I support the cooperative effort with Georgia Tech graduate students to explore the village concept and make recommendations. Personally, we can all make a difference by spending our money in our village shops and encouraging others to do the same.

8. As an elected official, it is against state law for elected officials to promote a SPLOST once it is on the ballot. I am allowed to comment on what it provides for PTC residents. First and foremost, SPLOST dollars are collected from everyone who shops in our stores, not just Fayette County residents. It is not a tax on the homeowners. SPLOST dollars can only be spent on the plan approved by the voters.

The plan for PTC is available online at, www.peachtree-city.org. It authorizes the city to pay off bonds on public buildings, therefore saving interest expenses. These funds allow your city leaders to keep your property taxes low.

It also includes over $16 million in golf cart path and road maintenance and additions. PTC has been a careful steward of its SPLOST funds and all the monies spent have gone to the outlined projects.

Those are some of the facts about the SPLOST. I encourage voters to learn more about the SPLOST and make an informed decision based on what they feel is best for themselves and their community.

9. Local government can and should be the level of government that is most responsive. City governments have an obligation to provide quality services and reflect the values of its citizens. PTC has excellent local government. Our staff is top-notch, and the city routinely receives awards for excellence in accounting, recreation, and public safety, to name a few. Your local government supports quality programs like CERT and sports.

Peachtree City is a vibrant, positive place to live, work and play. Your elected officials should represent those values. In addition, your council is your voice with county, state and federal officials. Your elected officials should promote PTC in all their actions and words.

I believe city officials should be accessible and available. We are not always going to agree, but I know we can find common ground on most issues, because we all take pride in our hometown.

I have a proven track record of putting PTC first and being your advocate to promote our city. Your local government should be run professionally and efficiently, while delivering quality services to the citizens.

As your next mayor, I will fight to keep taxes low, maintain public safety and support recreation. Together we can make Peachtree City an even better place to live.