Mayoral Update

I know that there has been some concern amongst the citizens regarding the sales tax reallocation everyone voted on about a year ago. It passed, and that money went into the General Fund, per law, as it was not budgeted for and kicked in mid-budget year. However, it is accounted for in our recent budget which just started. When I was elected into office, the street budget was $25,000 per year. It is no wonder nothing got done. When I would bring this up, I was met with “We don’t have the money” or… “We will never be able to afford that”. I pointed out an avenue by which some funds could be reallocated and here we are, a street budget for this budget year over $200,000. We all know this is a drop in the bucket, and it is never- ending; however, that’s the nature of the beast. I do think we are on a better trajectory than we were before and am looking forward to seeing this money put to work around our town and neighborhoods.

The more recent petition circulated around town was for on-premises consumption, it will be on the ballot this May. I think this gives Atlanta the ability to compete with our neighbors and will make us more marketable to better- known chains. Who doesn’t enjoy a margarita with your enchiladas? A cold beer with your BBQ?

Another recent development, in our budget talks, we were hit with requests for new or newer vehicles. This is every budget, I have only been around for three, but every year there is this huge capital expense on vehicles. These things are expensive and are only getting more so every year.

I posed the question at one of our meetings, asking if we had ever considered a leasing program. I am proud to hear from our City Manager, Danica Porter, that is the direction we are headed. This will allow lease costs to roll into each department’s budget, saving the city from huge capital expenses every year and from maintenance, etc. All while ensuring that we always have well-maintained, reliable equipment. This will also afford the city the ability to put that now freed-up capital to work for you in future budgets, bettering our services and tackling some issues that command attention. Some you may be aware of and some maybe not. Which leads me to this: I ask you to come visit us at the city council meetings. We meet at least once per month but are scheduled for two meetings each month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. right there at city hall. We start promptly, so get there a little early. These meetings are open to anyone. There, you can ask questions, voice concerns, or if you have a complaint then your city councilman will be there to hear it. Facebook is for the weak, come look us in the eye.