Carl confirms my out of left field guess for the semi-secret candidate who had been considering a run for District 1 commissioner and had yet to announce.  Zoning Board of Appeals member and Allstate agent Neil Dobbs has now officially joined the District 1 race that includes incumbent Fred Boykin and James Radford.

Carl notes that Dobbs has the support of Scott Drake and DBA president Ann Berg.

Starting yesterday the Brick Store is tapping a keg a day in celebration of its 12th Anniversary.  Next Saturday (June 27th) is the big finale, when they will tap a keg an hour from 12pm-12am.  Thanks to Carl for forwarding the announcement with all the details!

Read the full list of kegs-to-be-tapped after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

Playing a little catch up here this morning.  Luckily the AJC is helping me out!

The city commission officially voted on the coming fiscal year’s budget on Monday, holding the millage rate at 13.035.

Here’s the money quote from the AJC article (pun intended)…

The spending plan includes money to renovate the main firehouse, redesign the city’s website and upgrade equipment in municipal parks.

The city will also begin longer-term initiatives next year, including a strategic plan for the city, a proposed urban agriculture program and a master for the Beacon Complex that now houses the city’s police department.

As always, while DeKalb and Atlanta garner front-page stories with dramatic budget cuts and tax hikes, prudent ol’ Decatur can’t even get on the front page of the Metro section, even though its the standout in this situation.  A city that saved during the economic boom and can now temper changes by dipping into reserves seems unheard of in the 21st century.

So, I’d like to give a standing ovation to everyone involved who had the foresight to save in a world driven to spend, spend, spend.  You deserve it!