State Sen. Vincent Fort introduced a bill this week that he says could help prevent future contract disputes such as the ongoing one between Mayor Kasim Reed and Atlanta Public Schools over Beltline funding.
Atlanta currently owes APS $13.5 million under the terms that established the Atlanta Beltline. The green-space project is funded through a tax allocation district in which a portion of school taxes are used to help finance its development. In return, the city is obligated to make annual payments to APS, totaling $162 million through 2030.
S.B. 218 would require a redevelopment agency that uses a tax allocation district to pay a school system any funds owed before spending the money on development.
Fort, whose bill gained support from some other members of Atlanta’s delegation, acknowledged the measure has little chance of passing this year. And even if it did, it’s unlikely to impact the complicated, nearly two-year dispute between the city and APS if their existing contract stands.
Fort said it’s designed to “send a message” to Reed, who has repeatedly sparred publicly with APS leaders during the dispute.
“We, as the state legislature, have the responsibility to make sure schools are treated right,” said Fort, flanked on Thursday by state Sen. Gail Davenport and a handful of APS parents who have become vocal critics of the mayor. “For those of us who support civic projects … it’s going to be more and more difficult to sell the community on doing these things.”
The mayor struck a rare tranquil tone when asked about Fort’s bill, noting: “I have great respect for the legislative process, and I appreciate Sen. Fort adding his voice to the conversation.”
Reed said the bill would have no impact on the Beltline contract, which was last amended in 2009. Fort said the issue isn’t so cut and dry, noting that the law, if passed, would come into play if the city and APS restructure their deal.
The dispute has caused a growing rift between Reed’s office and school leaders, who have said they’re working toward resolution but so far have reached none.
The conflict worsened last month when APS Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen told the school board that Reed’s office refused a request to hand over deeds to surplussed property that the school system wants to sell.
Reed made headlines soon after when he said Carstarphen "doesn't know what she's talking about" over the matter. Reed deputies said his office denied the request because APS didn't follow protocol when it moved to sell the land.
The Atlanta City Council later passed legislation that effectively calls for the city to enter into negotiations with APS over the deeds.
Fort’s bill comes the same week as roughly 15 APS bus drivers rallied outside of Reed’s office, decrying what they say are his “bully” tactics regarding the Beltline and property issues.
The mayor has his supporters, too. In February, dozens of adults and children appeared at a council meeting to say Reed was right to withhold the deeds.
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