Stonecrest tax increase, huge boost to mayor’s salary on table

The Stonecrest City Council will hold a special meeting tonight (Aug. 15) that could result in Mayor Jason Lary’s salary increasing nearly four-fold, among other hot-ticket issues.

The plan to boost Lary's annual pay from $20,000 to $75,000 is among five changes to the city charter that council members will debate. He originally sought to get the raise passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, but senators who represent the city blocked the measure.

The other items on the agenda:

• Allowing Stonecrest to exceed the 3.35 mills cap on city property tax rates during years where DeKalb County reduces taxes. For example, if DeKalb rolled back its tax rate for Stonecrest residents by 1 mill the city would be able to raise its millage rate to 4.35 mills. Right now, the city is not collecting any taxes from residents (0 mills).
• Removing a clause in the city charter that prohibits Stonecrest elected officials from also working for other cities or counties.
• Renaming the judicial position at Stonecrest Municipal Court to chief judge.
• Change the name of the city accountant position to city finance director, who will be appointed by the City Council.