Below is my recap of the latest Council Meeting with my thoughts, which don't represent the Mayor or the rest of the Council.
You can find the agenda and video by clicking here.
TL;DR
We discussed a tennis and pickleball complex on Shallowford Road. The council also discussed House Bill 581, which implements a statewide floating homestead exemption, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of opting out. The Council reviewed the proposed 2025 budget, including a 3% COLA for employees, increased public safety and infrastructure funding, and a 10% allocation of Hotel/Motel funds for public art.
Public Hearings
Chamblee Racquet and Paddle Complex - 3031 Shallowford Road
The applicant is requesting variances from the UDO to build a tennis and pickleball complex on Shallowford Road next to Dynamo Swim Club. The location is vacant—it has been since I moved to Chamblee in 2014—and was home to a medical clinic that was torn down. There is lots to love about this project: more development on the southeast side of Chamblee and more options for tennis and pickleball.
New Business
House Bill 581 Discussion
This one is VERY complicated.
The constitutional amendment (proposed by HR 1022) that allows for the implementation of HB 581 was approved in a statewide referendum by voters on November 5, 2024. This constitutional amendment provides the authority for the statewide floating homestead exemption provided for in HB 581. Because the constitutional amendment was approved, all of HB 581 will become effective January 1, 2025.
Statewide Floating Homestead Exemption
HB 581 significantly changes local property tax by implementing a statewide floating homestead exemption (a base year or adjusted base year homestead exemption.) Technically, this operates as a homestead exemption, effectively limiting annual increases in the assessed value of homestead property to a yearly inflation rate. This limitation would apply to properties that qualify for a homestead exemption and would apply for city, county, and school board property taxes. As long as the same homeowner lives in the property, the annual increase in assessed value is limited, but the value is reset to fair market price when the home is sold. This new exemption will apply to local government property taxes unless each specific local government "opts out" of the exemption. A local government choosing to opt out must do so by March 1, 2025, and follow the specific procedure in HB 581. This will be the only opportunity to opt out of the exemption
I'm leaning towards opting out due to the bill's confusion, and we already have two exemptions on the books.
RAISE Grant Program Discussion
The office of Senator Jon Ossoff is spearheading the RAISE Grant Program, which has the potential to augment the financial resources necessary for the construction of numerous trail projects. The grant application process entails engaging a third-party consultant to draft the grant proposal. While the initial investment of $45,000 may appear substantial, a successful application could result in an award of $20 million.
New Business
Chang v. City of Milton Multi-City Amicus Resolution
I'm not a lawyer, but I'll do my best to explain this case. Mr. Chang, unfortunately, lost his life when the car he was driving hit a large flower pot in the city of Milton's Right of Way (ROW.) His family sued Milton, and they were awarded $30 million. My understanding is this turned decades of case law upside down. Municipalities could be liable for any item found in their ROW that a vehicle hits, including power poles, sewer drains, and light poles. The Council discussed joining the Amicus Brief as the case progresses through the appeal process. I support joining the brief.
Dresden Plaster Special Services District Resolution
You may remember that we discussed this last month and are moving it through the voting process. The purpose and benefits of an SSD are to allow for additional services and improvements funded by a special tax assessment on properties within the district. I support the SSD for its potential to attract private investment and improve community services like beautification, security, and transportation projects.
Master Plan Design Services – City Hall South Lawn
Staff presented plans to Master Plan the City Hall South Lawn. This area includes the old City Hall parking lot and the newly acquired building on Board Street. We are demolishing those buildings—they have issues that render them unusable—and we are looking at options for what can be done in that area.
Third Amendment to the HdL Master Services Agreement
Hdl is a third party the City uses to help with permitting and licensing. As we bring more of these services in-house, we are amending MSA to represent the new scope of work.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution
Chamblee began its 2025 budget process in August of this year. We held two public meetings and are now at the approval stage.
The proposed budgeted expenditures for FY2025 are $35,992,731, which does not include the anticipated use of reserves to cover one-time costs. This is an increase in spending by 8% from the 2024 approved budget. The proposed FY2025 budget is balanced.
Significant items in the General Fund:
• 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all city employees.
• Increased market costs for health insurance and ancillary benefit coverage for
employees. The city’s health insurance costs increased 8% for 2024.
• A one-time cost to update the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Investment in renewable energy infrastructure in city facilities.
• The creation of a payroll and benefits specialist position in Human Resources.
• Increased debt service due to the purchase of property along Broad Street, a new
Public Works building and financing for Fishbolt Park (construction to begin in 2025).
• Increased investment in police equipment and training.
• Procurement of a housing inventory software to assist with affordable housing and code
enforcement efforts.
• Construction of a Real Time Crime Center located within the public safety building
• Increased operating costs to cover utilities and technology systems in the new Dresden
Park Community Room and the new Public Works building.
• Continued funding for non-profit partnership program and neighborhood engagement
programs.
• Increased investment in multicultural events and outreach programming.
• Increased investment in partnered events.
• 10 percent allocation of Hotel/Motel funds for public art projects ($160,000.)
The proposed budget can be found here.
Resolution to Establish the 2025 Fee Schedule
This companion piece to the budget sets the 2025 fee schedule. There aren't any significant changes from 2024.
Vanet Road Traffic Calming Petition
Residents on Vanet Road gathered the necessary signatures to install NO PARKING signs along Vanet Road during school hours.
I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.
Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov
Mobile: 770-901-1121
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