Chamblee residents will vote on a $30 million bond referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot to pay for parks and trails, resulting in a tax increase of about $118 for the average homeowner.
Chamblee has added more than 12,000 new residents and more than doubled in size over the past decade, making it the fastest growing city in DeKalb County. The city says these parks are in dire need of restoration, from improved safety with lighting to riverbank restoration and trail construction.
The city’s 2016 Parks and Recreation Master Plan estimates the need for $58 million. According to the Chamblee Trail Master Plan adopted in April 2023, needs are currently estimated to cost more than $100 million, including $71 million for the trail alone.
The referendum is supported by the Chamblee City Council based on a survey in which less than 1% of the city’s population participated.
Mr. Chamblee hired Trust Public Lands (TPL) in September 2023 to study the feasibility of general obligation bonds of up to $30 million. TPL worked with staff and bond advisors to develop the language of the voting measure and develop the poll, according to the memo.
Chamblee’s Dresden Park. (Photo provided by Chamblee City)
Of Chamblee’s 33,000 residents, 200 “likely voters” responded to a survey administered via phone or text message. The margin of error was +/- 6.9%.
After answering two basic voting questions, respondents were asked: “Should the City of Chamblee issue up to $30 million in aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds for the purpose of financing the design, acquisition, construction, equipment and/or improvements of parks, trails and outdoor recreation? Area, what is the bond issuance cost and the bond’s capitalized interest?
The results found that 73.6% would “definitely” or “probably” vote in favor of the bond referendum, 13.4% would vote against it, and 13% were undecided. Respondents also trust Chamblee City Council to spend wisely (65%) and say the city is growing at an appropriate rate (63%).
City officials received the survey results in May and proceeded to add the referendum to the November ballot. In June, the Chamblee City Council approved a resolution to add the referendum to the ballot.
In a letter to the Chamblee City Council, TPL said the referendum was likely to pass and “communicated its intent to fully disclose all project spending (with the potential to support it if included).” 84% higher) and that regular audits be conducted. (84% more likely to participate in the program) and seek matching funding from county, state, and/or federal sources (78% more likely). In order to ensure transparency to the public, we propose that details regarding accountability be included in the resolutions or ordinances that are adopted. ”
Multiple information sessions for residents will be held throughout the city in October.
Chamblee’s website states that the average homeowner whose home is valued at $499,000 would pay $118 a year if the bond referendum passes. There are no direct costs to the renter. If the referendum fails, the city would continue to have a smaller annual budget through its regular budget and state and federal grants.
