Oh wow. First, a note from the Mayor himself to DM readers…

Serving the people of Decatur as a commissioner and Mayor for the last 21 years has been an incredible experience. Recently, I have been given an opportunity to join the Pendleton Consulting Group in assisting businesses and local governments around Georgia. There is the possibility that some of the work that I will be doing might be considered by some to present a conflict of interest. For that reason, I have decided to step down as Mayor and Commissioner of the city of Decatur. As I have wrestled with this decision over the last few months it has been a very emotional time for me. As a resident and Mayor, I am extremely proud of the city’s employees and the manner in which they go about their jobs. They are dedicated to providing us, as residents, the best possible level of services. They do not see their work as a job but a way of life. They have made me look much better at my job than I really am.

>> Everyday I realize how fortunate I am to be one who calls Decatur home. The extraordinary people who live and work here make this an unusual and very special place. We are home to the best school system of any, and that fact is certainly one of reasons that makes Decatur a desirable place to live. I believe our best days are ahead and I look forward to being part of Decatur’s future.

>> My resignation will be effective January 7, 2013. On that day The Commission will elect a new Mayor and I know you will support that person just as you have supported me. I want to thank everyone for your support and help over the years and the confidence you have shown in me by allowing me to be your Mayor. Decatur is a small city but is one of the world’s greatest. Thanks.

And then this from the City’s Linda Harris…

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The city of Decatur’s Katie Abel sends in this note…

Please join the City of Decatur and the City of Avondale Estates in celebrating the merging of our City boundaries on Saturday, November 10th at 12:00 p.m. at Lanier Park located at Sam’s Crossing. The recent annexation of property along E. College Avenue allowed, for the first time, the boundaries of the City of Avondale Estates and the City of Decatur to meet. The annexation gives both the City of Avondale Estates and the City of Decatur control over the redevelopment of these areas, which are gateways to both cities. The City of Avondale Estates and the City of Decatur are partners in creating successful, sustainable communities.

Refreshments from local Avondale Estates and Decatur merchants will be provided.

All are welcome to attend

Some fact highlights from last night’s Decatur Annexation Public Meeting presentation (click here to watch the Commission Meeting Video)…

• Decatur’s existing tax base is 86% residential and 14% commercial.  The average of the annexation areas is 77% residential and 22% commercial, so even a full annexation would slightly shift the commercial % up.
• The city staff has a committee looking at additional costs and revenue.  Costs include but are not limited to things like streetlights, staffing, facility upgrades etc.
• Population total of all annexation areas is around 2,000.
• Another hearing December 2nd, resolution can be adopted at City Commission meeting on December 17th.  Referendum vote would probably be November 5, 2013.
• Decatur’s homestead exemptions are different from DeKalb’s homestead exemptions.
• Business owners don’t have a vote unless they live in the area.

And of interest to city residents, here’s the Mayor Bill Floyd’s answer to a question by resident Pat Herold regarding the commission’s view of a school system vote…

• “If the school system [votes] no, I think a lot of it depends on why they say “no”.  I think we need to analyze what they’ve done.  If it’s going to cost us $5 million then it be hard to vote yes for that.  If its a problem that we may be able to work out in a year or two, then maybe it’s different.  I think there are reasons why we have to consider what the school system tells us or asks us or gives us their opinion and then we decide.  I’m not so sure just a “yes” or “no” by the school system is what we’re going to get.  I think we may get a maybe.  How do you look at it then?  So I think there’s a lot of things going on here.  It’s a very important part of any decision this commission will make.”

Most of the comments made during the General Comments portion of the meeting were from residents in the proposed annexation areas for and against the annexation effort.

More reports and more dramatic headlines below…

• Patch – Decatur Taxes Bashed at Annexation Meeting
• WSB – Decatur annexation fight heats up

Update: More local news links (courtesy of Deanne)

• CBS Atlanta – Neighbor vs. Neighbor in Decatur city fight
• Fox5 – Community divided over proposed Decatur annexation

Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd writes in…

I am glad it is over and that there is no doubt what the voters wanted… or did not want. It was in my opinion decisive. I spent most of my time last year arriving at the list of projects to vote on and if that list is why anyone voted no then I certainly share the responsibility for the no vote. If it is mistrust of elected officials, since I have been an elected official for 21 years, I certainly share that responsibility also. This vote brought together people of different parties, different races and different cultures on both sides of the issue. I think good can and will come from that. My hope now is that we will work together as we search for a method to move forward. I do not think that simply revising the list of projects and trying another vote would provide a different response from the voters. But our traffic problems did not go away with the vote. I promise to work together with Governor Deal, Mayor Reed, other elected officials and all who wish to participate in a positive way to move this region forward. Today, let’s dedicate ourselves to finding the solution that will inspire all of us stand together and say… YES!!!!

Bill Floyd, Mayor Decatur, GA

Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd writes in urging folks still with outstanding T-SPLOST questions to attend a transportation rally Monday on Decatur Square.  Click the flyer to the right to enlarge (PDF).  Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, State Senators and Reps, and more will be in attendance, along with Mayor Floyd.

Additionally, Floyd, a man with deep knowledge of the Atlanta metro’s political system’s capabilities, writes in no uncertain terms…

This vote is crucial. Don’t vote no because you think there will be a better option later, there won’t be, and don’t not vote because you think your vote will not matter. Every vote is essential. It is our time to step up to the plate, take our responsibility and move this region forward. Let’s not let our children or grandchildren have to go to some other part of the country for jobs that should be here. Please vote YES. Bill Floyd

After being contrasted with Newport Beach, California’s police recruitment video late last week on The Agitator – which was linked to in FFAF – Decatur’s Police Recruitment video has gone viral and is now featured on the ever-popular Boing Boing blog.

Mayor Floyd passed along word on Friday that Decatur city staff members have been receiving positive feedback from random people around the country about the suddenly viral video.

Boing Boing h/t: Daren

Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd sent this note into DM, reporting that 1,500 Decatur properties will be reassessed by July 2nd and finally an explanation about what’s going on behind the volatile numbers.

The city manager and I met with several people from the tax appraiser’s office on June 5, 2012. The following information was given to us at that time.

1. There are 30 properties that were identified last week with errors. These will be submitted to the BOA for adjustment at their meeting on June 7th. Revised appraisals will be mailed after the meeting. Property owners will have 45 days from the date of the revised notice to file an appeal.
2. The appraisers office has identified an additional 1500 properties in the city that are being adjusted for any of several reasons
3. The list of 1500 will be submitted to he BOA at their meeting on June 21st for approval
4. If approved , these revised notices will be sent out the week of June 25th.
5. Current appeal deadline is July 13th.
6. If you receive an adjusted notice, it restarts the clock and you have another 45 days to appeal

Their Recommendation:

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