Some Powder Springs residents recently found out they may be facing a higher property tax rate for the first time in about a decade. During a Town Hall meeting on Jan. 30 it was disclosed the funds will go toward two major city projects:
- $4.3 million for an expanded, renovated downtown area.
- $2.6 million for an intersection project at Pine Grove Drive and Flint Hill Road with a right-turn lane into Deer Creek subdivision for completion by the summer or early fall of 2019.
If approved by the City Council, residents would pay an annual increase of one millage rate of:
- $68 more for a $175,000 home but $58 if a senior citizen (age 65 and older).
- $78 more for a $200,000 home but $68 for senior citizens.
- $88 more for a $225,000 home but $78 for senior citizens.
Near the end of a 40-minute question-and-answer session, Obi Okezi of Nigeria said, in his country, the government “tells you nothing. You see your house bulldozed, and a new building goes up. Please support what the city is doing. You have the opportunity to make this place better.”
Others weren’t so sure such as Candy White, saying she does not see how a new park will improve “the at-risk schools” in the city, for example.
Mayor Al Thurman said the park was not his idea but one that came from the citizens at several meetings.
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