DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May’s proposal to relocate some government functions from Decatur to create a “Downtown DeKalb” district near Interstate 285 and Memorial Drive is not a new idea according to Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett.
During an interview with the AJC, Baskett recalled that about 10 years ago former CEO Vernon Jones proposed a similar plan to him and former mayor Bill Floyd.
“Whether it could happen, I don’t know,” Baskett said. “That’s between [May], his commissioners, his constituents and his budget. For us it could be good thing. If they leave, that gives us possibilities for redevelopment which could eventually put those properties on our tax rolls.”
Baskett added it would take a constitutional amendment to change the county seat — which May isn’t proposing — meaning the courthouse and some county functions would remain along with DeKalb employees who patronize the city’s retail/restaurant sector.
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