Saturday, May 24, 2008
Dunwoody testimony at the Capitol is a bit different than what the public has heard
Rep. Jill Chambers sent this email as a response to a question from a cityhood supporter. Jill, did you vote for HB 264?:
Voting for HB 264 was a mistake on my part, but at the time I still thought that the cityhood sponsors were being honest about their legislation.
The 2007 Attorney General's letter on HB 264 describes the possiblility of at least one lawsuit against the state and city regarding the HOST tax disbursement. This is why I handed out copies of the letter along with the original statute and referendum language that states HOST is for COUNTY purposes only.
If the AG advisory letter states that HB 264 can be challenged as unconstitutional, can we expect the state to vigoriously defend the legislation?
Just because I voted for it does not exempt it from legal challenges!
Watch Rep. Fran Millar's 2007 House floor testimony on HB 264 here - it is about 1 hour and 40 minutes into the video clip:
http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=ga%2Dleg%2Dhouse%2D3%5F27%5F2007%2D3%5F34%5F35%20PM&link=mms%3A%2F%2Fmediam1.gpb.org%2Fga%2Fleg%2F2007%2Fga%2Dleg%2Dhouse%2D3%5F27%5F2007%2D3%5F34%5F35%20PM.wmv
Now go watch what Rep. Fran Millar says this year in House committee about the Attorney General's letter. This testimony was one day after he wrote me a letter stating he did not want to discuss the lawsuit in a public forum. Well, why not?
Fran testifies about 15 minutes into this video, Finance Director Mike Bell testifies on HOST next, and then the author of the CVI study is about 1 hour and 23 minutes into the same video:
http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=gaff013108&link=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.legis.ga.gov%2Fhav%2F08%2Fcomm%2Fgaff%2Fgaff013108.wmv
Editor's note: Enjoy the videos as you learn the Truth About Dunwoody!
Monday, May 19, 2008
We just got this email from Rep. Jill Chambers:
Dunwoody city advocates were a bit upset last week that I was handing out the copies of the HOST Referendum with the Attorney General's advisory opinion letter, as well as the constitutionally mandated Cooperation Agreement between the County and the PCID.
Last thursday (at the DHA meeting), Bob Lundston, of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, asked me to stop handing out information. He told me that it was HIS meeting and that he did not approve. Other fine citizens were distributing literature, red ribbons or wearing tags with question marks to indicate unanswered questions.
Since it was billed as a community meeting http://www.citizensfordunwoody.org/ , I told him that I had the First Amendment right to free assembly and freedom of speech. So Bob asked me to stand by a table and distribute the literature, which I did under his constant supervision.
I guess they plan to supress information and dissenting opinions from now on - see original email below: 'Informational literature must be cleared with the sponsoring organization before the event is held; this literature can be placed on a common table for distribution to attendees, not handed directly to them.'
__________________________________________________
From: billdunwoody@mindspring.com
To: jillchambers@msn.com; bwingate@bellsouth.net
CC: GJackson@paii-aviation.com; jim.boyea@dunwoodyumc.org
Subject: DHA Information
ForumDate: Mon, 19 May 2008 08:05:53 -0400
When the Dunwoody Homeowners Association obtained permission to use the Dunwoody United Methodist Church facility for the recent Information Forum, certain guidelines were established. So everyone is absolutely clear about the rules as they apply to the DHA sponsored June 19 forum (this applies to all other organizations using the church), I will outline what is required. Political campaigning, signs or literature are not permitted on church property. Information or directional signs will not be attached to walls or columns; the church has standard signs that are available for such postings. Informational literature must be cleared with the sponsoring organization before the event is held; this literature can be placed on a common table for distribution to attendees, not handed directly to them. Thanks.
Bill Robinson
________________________________________________
To: Bill, Bob, DHA, etc:
Why are you so afraid of the public seeing this information?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Does the GA GOP really support less government?
InsiderAdvantage is reporting from the Georgia Republican Convention this weekend. Check out this quote from Congressman Lynn Westmoreland:
... “Our base still believes in less taxes. They still believe in less government. They still believe in our ability to honor the 2nd Amendment ... (and) in personal responsibility. But they don’t believe that we believe that ... They’re tired of our talk, they want to see our walk.”
“Our base didn’t get lost, we got lost,” he said. “I want to be part of the leadership that leads us back home.”
So what part of LESS TAXES & LESS GOVERNMENT do the "Republican" sponsors of Dunwoody cityhood not understand? The passage of SB 82, the Dunwoody city charter, proves that the majority of state level Republicans are as tax happy as our national level politicians. They are RINO's (Republican In Name Only)! Where is true fiscally conservative leadership in GA?
the original InsiderAdvantage article can be found here (subscription news site):
http://insideradvantagegeorgia.com/restricted/2008/May%202008/5-17-08/Perdue_Westmoreland5171964.php
... “Our base still believes in less taxes. They still believe in less government. They still believe in our ability to honor the 2nd Amendment ... (and) in personal responsibility. But they don’t believe that we believe that ... They’re tired of our talk, they want to see our walk.”
“Our base didn’t get lost, we got lost,” he said. “I want to be part of the leadership that leads us back home.”
So what part of LESS TAXES & LESS GOVERNMENT do the "Republican" sponsors of Dunwoody cityhood not understand? The passage of SB 82, the Dunwoody city charter, proves that the majority of state level Republicans are as tax happy as our national level politicians. They are RINO's (Republican In Name Only)! Where is true fiscally conservative leadership in GA?
the original InsiderAdvantage article can be found here (subscription news site):
http://insideradvantagegeorgia.com/restricted/2008/May%202008/5-17-08/Perdue_Westmoreland5171964.php
Friday, May 16, 2008
DHA meeting last night
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association held the most informative meeting hosted so far regarding a new city of Dunwoody. Although the panel was not really balanced, several of the participants discussed the issue of potential tax increases.
In spite of the "reporting" in a local paper, the panel members supportive of Dunwoody cityhood admitted the potential of lawsuits over the HOST tax collections for the city. It was made clear that if the new city does not get the HOST tax, then Dunwoody will not provide the promised $1.5 million for the PCID infrastucture.
State Rep. Jill Chambers was handing out information about the challenges with collecting the HOST tax and the control of the PCID commercial district. I stood near her for a while as she handed out copies of the HOST laws and a letter from the Attorney General. You could clearly see the displeasure of both the DHA president and several city-hood supporters. Some people made rude comments but even more people thanked the Representative for providing additional information.
Although Senator Dan Weber was gracious (his mama obviously taught him some manners!), Rep. Fran Miller displayed an attitude and refused to acknowledge his colleague even after she greeted him several times. He was seen sitting in the audience with Commissioner Elaine Boyer.
Judge C.J. Becker did a great job asking questions as a moderator but few real answers were given. It seems that many people still have questions about the true costs of incorporation.
In spite of the "reporting" in a local paper, the panel members supportive of Dunwoody cityhood admitted the potential of lawsuits over the HOST tax collections for the city. It was made clear that if the new city does not get the HOST tax, then Dunwoody will not provide the promised $1.5 million for the PCID infrastucture.
State Rep. Jill Chambers was handing out information about the challenges with collecting the HOST tax and the control of the PCID commercial district. I stood near her for a while as she handed out copies of the HOST laws and a letter from the Attorney General. You could clearly see the displeasure of both the DHA president and several city-hood supporters. Some people made rude comments but even more people thanked the Representative for providing additional information.
Although Senator Dan Weber was gracious (his mama obviously taught him some manners!), Rep. Fran Miller displayed an attitude and refused to acknowledge his colleague even after she greeted him several times. He was seen sitting in the audience with Commissioner Elaine Boyer.
Judge C.J. Becker did a great job asking questions as a moderator but few real answers were given. It seems that many people still have questions about the true costs of incorporation.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Where is the one mill cap in the charter legislation?
In section 1.03 of SB 82, the Dunwoody Charter legislation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/versions/sb82_AP_13.htm :
(A) The millage rate imposed for ad valorem taxes on real property shall not exceed 3.04 unless a higher limit is recommended by resolution of the city council and approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the City of Dunwoody voting on the issue;
(B) For all years, the fair market value of all property subject to taxation shall be determined according to the tax digest of DeKalb County, as provided in Code Section 48-5-352 of the O.C.G.A.; and
(38) Taxes: other. To levy and collect such other taxes and fees as may be allowed now or in the future by law
in section 5.02 there is a provision for a one mill homestead exemption - not a cap on the millage:
(b) Each resident of the City of Dunwoody is granted an exemption on that person´s homestead from City of Dunwoody ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount that provides the dollar equivalent of a one mill reduction of the millage rate applicable to the homestead property with respect to ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for the taxable year. The value of that property in excess of such exempted amount shall remain subject to taxation.
Now contrast the above with this information presented on the Citizens for Dunwoody website: http://www.citizensfordunwoody.org/faq.htm :
TAXES/FINANCIAL
3.Would my taxes increase, decrease or stay the same?
The feasibility study performed by The University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government shows that the city of Dunwoody could operate without a tax increase. Since Dunwoody has been taxed at rates higher than the cost of services delivered by DeKalb County, the CVI study showed budget surpluses in all but the most extreme scenarios. Over time, these surpluses could be used to increase the quality of our services or be returned to taxpayers.
4.What is the impact of the 1-mill cap on the property tax millage rate?
The proposed budget does not include a tax increase to provide the same levels of service. The charter limits the authority of the city council to raise the city's millage rate more than one additional mill without voter approval.
Can Representative Fran Millar & Senator Dan Weber show us where the one mill cap is guaranteed in the Charter?
(A) The millage rate imposed for ad valorem taxes on real property shall not exceed 3.04 unless a higher limit is recommended by resolution of the city council and approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the City of Dunwoody voting on the issue;
(B) For all years, the fair market value of all property subject to taxation shall be determined according to the tax digest of DeKalb County, as provided in Code Section 48-5-352 of the O.C.G.A.; and
(38) Taxes: other. To levy and collect such other taxes and fees as may be allowed now or in the future by law
in section 5.02 there is a provision for a one mill homestead exemption - not a cap on the millage:
(b) Each resident of the City of Dunwoody is granted an exemption on that person´s homestead from City of Dunwoody ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount that provides the dollar equivalent of a one mill reduction of the millage rate applicable to the homestead property with respect to ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for the taxable year. The value of that property in excess of such exempted amount shall remain subject to taxation.
Now contrast the above with this information presented on the Citizens for Dunwoody website: http://www.citizensfordunwoody.org/faq.htm :
TAXES/FINANCIAL
3.Would my taxes increase, decrease or stay the same?
The feasibility study performed by The University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government shows that the city of Dunwoody could operate without a tax increase. Since Dunwoody has been taxed at rates higher than the cost of services delivered by DeKalb County, the CVI study showed budget surpluses in all but the most extreme scenarios. Over time, these surpluses could be used to increase the quality of our services or be returned to taxpayers.
4.What is the impact of the 1-mill cap on the property tax millage rate?
The proposed budget does not include a tax increase to provide the same levels of service. The charter limits the authority of the city council to raise the city's millage rate more than one additional mill without voter approval.
Can Representative Fran Millar & Senator Dan Weber show us where the one mill cap is guaranteed in the Charter?
Rep. Jill Chambers still has questions....
This letter was published in the AJC letters to the Editor on May 11 and posted on GoDeKalb.com on May 12:
To the Editor:
In response to the letter from DunwoodyYES advocates, it has not yet been determined that a new city of Dunwoody will be able to collect the property taxes in the DeKalb PCID.
The Georgia Constitution (Art IX, Section VII, Paragraph V) requires that a CID and it's authorizing entity enter into a cooperation agreement. Among the provisions in the agreement with the PCID and DeKalb County:
The County shall retain full and complete authority over the provision of governmental services and over any of it's facilities located within the CID.
Plans adopted by the CID Board must comply with County policies and planning. The CID shall provide notice of meetings to the CEO of DeKalb.
The agreement can only be modified by formal written action of both parties (PCID and DeKalb County government.)
Since this constitutionally mandated agreement requires that the County provide the governmental services, will the property taxes that pay for these services continue to go to the County? Or will businesses in the area be required to pay an additional city property tax on top of the County taxes?
Will a new city of Dunwoody be able to enact or enforce zoning if the CID must comply only with County planning? Will both the PCID and DeKalb County be willing to dissolve the CID charter and transfer these powers to a new city of Dunwoody?
These contingencies were not examined by the Carl Vinson Institute study or by the citizens advocacy group.
I have asked these and other questions regarding the Dunwoody city study both in legislative committee and in public for many months. I do not know the answers and I expect that they will only be resolved in a court of law.
Will the homowners in a new city of Dunwoody be willing pay even higher property taxes if and until this legal issue is resolved? Personally, I want to know the answers before a referendum on cityhood.
State Rep. Jill Chambers
R - North DeKalb
To the Editor:
In response to the letter from DunwoodyYES advocates, it has not yet been determined that a new city of Dunwoody will be able to collect the property taxes in the DeKalb PCID.
The Georgia Constitution (Art IX, Section VII, Paragraph V) requires that a CID and it's authorizing entity enter into a cooperation agreement. Among the provisions in the agreement with the PCID and DeKalb County:
The County shall retain full and complete authority over the provision of governmental services and over any of it's facilities located within the CID.
Plans adopted by the CID Board must comply with County policies and planning. The CID shall provide notice of meetings to the CEO of DeKalb.
The agreement can only be modified by formal written action of both parties (PCID and DeKalb County government.)
Since this constitutionally mandated agreement requires that the County provide the governmental services, will the property taxes that pay for these services continue to go to the County? Or will businesses in the area be required to pay an additional city property tax on top of the County taxes?
Will a new city of Dunwoody be able to enact or enforce zoning if the CID must comply only with County planning? Will both the PCID and DeKalb County be willing to dissolve the CID charter and transfer these powers to a new city of Dunwoody?
These contingencies were not examined by the Carl Vinson Institute study or by the citizens advocacy group.
I have asked these and other questions regarding the Dunwoody city study both in legislative committee and in public for many months. I do not know the answers and I expect that they will only be resolved in a court of law.
Will the homowners in a new city of Dunwoody be willing pay even higher property taxes if and until this legal issue is resolved? Personally, I want to know the answers before a referendum on cityhood.
State Rep. Jill Chambers
R - North DeKalb
The Truth About Dunwoody cityhood
Does a city of Dunwoody seem too good to be true?
If citizens are disappointed with County government, how can they create another layer of Government without raising taxes?
Why would people vote to lower the standard of services provided to the public?
Stay tuned to learn more about the true costs of incorporation....
If citizens are disappointed with County government, how can they create another layer of Government without raising taxes?
Why would people vote to lower the standard of services provided to the public?
Stay tuned to learn more about the true costs of incorporation....
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