Local City Council Increases Franchise (Utility) Fees

East Point City Council has increased utility cost for residents by $47/mo over objections by the mayor.  The mayor has filed a lawsuit against the council for violations of the city charter.  Read the full AJC story here.

12 Myths and 3 Facts About a New City of Peachtree Corners

In discussing the pros and cons of Peachtree Corners becoming a city, residents have given many reasons for and against becoming an incorporated city. But how many of these are not valid reasons for becoming a city?

Myth #1. “We will have more police protection.” - Not true. Fire and police protection will remain the responsibility of Gwinnett County, as they always have. Unless residents vote later to take responsibility for police protection, and vote themselves taxes 5 to 6 or more times the projected city rate of 1.0 mills, this will not change.

Myth #2.  “We can have Peachtree Corners as a mailing address.”- If you live in 30092, you can do that now. In fact the post office is in Peachtree Corners, Georgia,.

Myth 3. “I will vote for it because of the schools and the kids.” - Becoming a city has nothing to do with schools or children. Gwinnett County will continue to provide public education, as they do in every city except Buford which has always had its own school system.

Myth #4.  “More sidewalks.” - Not true. Roads and sidewalks will continue to be handled by Gwinnett County.

Myth #5. “It will keep the taxes down.” - Not true. Taxes will be raised not only for property taxes, but ad valorem on cars as well, plus franchise fees and a 2% tax on power bills, which we do  not have now.

Myth #6.  “It will keep out development and businesses we don’t want.” - This is nebulous and debatable. Zoning in place cannot change and current county zoning is totally adequate.

Myth #7.“It will raise our home values.” - Pure speculation. The economy, the home itself and location determine home prices.

Myth #8. “Voting No is no option. - Of course it is.

Myth #9. “Peachtree Corners will disappear if we are not a city.” - Of course not.

Myth #10.   “Vacant buildings will fill up.” - Really. How would this happen?

Myth #11. “We will be annexed into Norcross.”  - Not unless a majority of residents vote to do this.

Myth #12. “We will get away from Gwinnett County.”  - Not true. Gwinnett County will continue to provide all services except planning and zoning, trash collection and code enforcement. County taxes will not go down/

Now, let’s look at the facts.

Fact #1. “Taxes will go up.” - VoteYes supporters admit this. City taxes are zero now and can be raised. The tax on power bills is zero now - it will go to 2%. Franchise and business license fees can and will be raised. Ad valorem taxes on vehicles will be raised.

Fact #2. “Another layer of government will be added.” - What is another layer of government if not a mayor, city council and dozens of city employees.

Fact # 3. “We don’t need a city.” - We don’t need a city because Gwinnett County performs all the services the new city would perform, with no increase in taxes.

Become an informed voter. Read the facts, and ignore the myths.  

Posted By - The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee

AJC Op Ed Piece on the Proposed City of Peachtree Corners

On October 19th, an Op Ed piece on the new city was published by the AJC.  Here is an excerpt:

“Shall the Act incorporating the City of Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County according to the charter contained in the Act be approved?” The “act” in question is Georgia House Bill 396, a compilation of nearly 35 pages of legalese otherwise known as “the charter.”

What this really means is that you aren’t just voting on the innocuous-sounding idea of a “limited-services” city; you are voting on the charter, a document which lays the groundwork for the formation of a full-fledged taxing, spending and regulating city.

Read the full article

Posted By: Ali

How Easy is it for the New City to Raise Taxes?

The Yes-folk point to the charter provision that requires a referendum in order to increase property taxes or add services not already reserved in the charter.  But, it is all too easy to put issues on a ballot in an “off-year” election year and have them pass with very few votes. 

For example, earlier this year Charlotte Nash was elected to the Gwinnett County Commission to complete the term vacated by the disgraced Charles Bannister.  It was an "off-year" election. There are 155 precincts in Gwinnett County. Historically, the precinct with the highest turnout has been the one at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church.  Charlotte Nash won 51% of the vote at that precinct, and she only had 74 votes.  I'll type it again in case you thought it was a typo- 74 votes.  The other three challengers on the ballot had 72 votes between them.  Of 2000 voters registered to that precinct, only 151 (less than 8%) turned out to vote.  If Peachtree Corners becomes a city, there will be an estimated 21,000 voters in PC.  If there is an off-year election to add services and/ or raise taxes, and only 8% of the voters turnout, all it would take is for 850 people to vote yes, and the rest of us would be paying higher taxes.

When I bring this up, the Yes-folk scold me for lacking faith in my neighbors.  I love you guys, but I know how busy our lives are.  It is easy to miss these off-year votes.  This is especially true when the government desiring the tax increase can fund the spin on information and a get-out-the-supporter-vote effort.  Any opposition will have to be quickly organized and would have no funds to support it.

Posted By Ali