Decatur’s Public Facilities Authority bill passed the House Wednesday morning, and now awaits the governor’s signature to go into law. The bill passed the Senate two weeks ago.
Upon getting signed the PFA would have authority to seek bond funding to purchase the 77-acre United Methodist Children’s Home. Unlike a general obligation bond, bonds secured by a PFA don’t require a vote and therefore funding could be achieved faster.
Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said Wednesday that traditionally the governor begins signing bills on the legislature’s 40th day, but she hopes this one can get done sooner. Friday is crossover day, or day 28.
Decatur figures to have plenty competition, for what Atlanta-based realtor Bill Adams called “a once in a lifetime property.” But Garrett pointed out that establishing the PFA “is a big step if we are going to purchase the property.”
At a Decatur city commission meeting last month, several UMCH alumni spoke, asking that at least one alumnus get a spot on the five-member PFA.
