August 25, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Referendum or no referendum?
The DeKalb County Commission Monday night is expected to take a vote on a resolution to include a public referendum on the November 5, 2024 State and Federal General Election ballot asking voters whether the county should borrow up to $65 million to fund the eventual construction of a judicial center/jail.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Mike Foster Multipurpose Center/county complex
In June the county commission adopted an initial and detailed bond resolution not to exceed $65 million through issuance of General Obligation Bonds to build a judicial center/jail as well as a 51-cent property tax increase for debt service to fund it. Less than a month later a petition signed by more than 10% of registered voters protesting the move was submitted to and certified by the election commission clearing the way for a referendum subject to action by the county commission calling for a public vote.
During Thursday night’s committee of the whole meeting of the county commission, County Mayor Matt Adcock explained what a vote Monday night on the referendum resolution would mean.
“If you (county commission) vote in favor of the (referendum) resolution that means it does go to the ballot and people will have the opportunity to vote on whether we will be able to borrow the money or not. If you vote against this (referendum) resolution, that just kills it (bond resolution). That means it would not go on the ballot. Nobody would be able to vote on it and we would not be able to borrow the money,” said County Mayor Adcock.
While a referendum would gauge the public’s approval or disapproval of the issuance of bonds, it would not force a repeal of the 51-cent tax increase. The total county property tax levy for the year 2024-25 is now set at $2.51 per $100 of assessed value which is up from the tax levy of $2.00 per $100 of assessed value a year ago.
In addition to a possible referendum on the bond question for a jail/judicial center, local voters will get to decide whether or not the county should establish a $50 wheel tax in November.
In June, the county commission adopted an amended resolution to have a public referendum placed on the November 5 ballot for an up or down vote on a $50 wheel tax to support the debt service fund.
If approved by the voters, County Mayor Adcock said the revenue raised from the wheel tax would offset somewhat the 51-cent tax increase for debt service for the jail/judicial center and bring the property tax hike for debt service next year (2025-26) down from 51 cents to 33 cents.