By Katie Pedersen and Kyle Williams

On Tuesday, November 8^th, we have a chance to vote “Yes” for City Schools of Decatur.  Tomorrow, Decatur voters decide whether to continue the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) by answering “Yes” or “No” to a very long, legalese question that begins “Shall a special one percent sales and use tax for educational purposed continue to be imposed in DeKalb County for not longer than 20 quarters, beginning July 1, 2012, to raise not more than $645,000,000 in the aggregate. . . .”

First passed in 1997, SPLOST provides a means for school systems to meet capital improvement needs through the collection of a 1% sales tax.  SPLOST is not a new or additional tax – it is already a part of our 7% sales tax.  But the sales tax will expire in the next few months unless we ‘Locally Opt’ to keep it in place.

Since its inception, SPLOST has funded 38% of all capital projects for CSD, bringing in more than $34 million dollars. Thanks to SPLOST, CSD has:

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Greg sent in this picture early this afternoon showing some construction on the Leon’s patio.  Part-owner Dave Blanchard fills us in as to what’s goin’ on…

We are putting up a metal and wood beamed pergola over the patio. Should provide more shade in the summer and give us a way to hang fans, heaters, lighting, etc to extend the patio life in the transition months. I’m excited. It should be quite cool and beautiful.

Decatur City Manager Peggy Merriss tells DM that even if Decatur residents vote in favor of Sunday alcohol sales at the polls tomorrow, they’ll still have to wait a bit before they can go straight from Sunday brunch with the in-laws into the liquor store (or in Decatur’s case, the beer/wine store).

Ms. Merriss states…

If the referendum passes, I anticipate recommending that the City Commission amend the existing ordinance to establish Sunday sell hours effective November 27, 2011.

Thanksgiving leftovers and a fresh growler.  Mmmmm….

West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur GA (pic submitted by Mary)

Tamara writes in that Melton’s App & Tap was closed last night when some family members went to visit.

Sounds like it’s only temporary.  From Melton’s Facebook page…

As some of you may already know, due to circumstances beyond our control we had to close the restaurant yesterday. We will temporarily be closed and will let you know when we re-open. Thanks so much for your patronage.