OK for parks bond faces uphill battle

From the Marietta Daily Journal on November 5, 2006, by MDJ staff writer Amanda Casciaro

COBB COUNTY - Supporters and opposition groups of a proposed $40 million parks bond set for the election ballot Tuesday agree the most important task in the next two days will be educating the public before they cast their vote.

Before the measure was approved for the ballot by the Cobb Board of Commissioners in July, residents from across the county united in a grassroots effort called the Cobb Parks Coalition. Led by Paul Paulson, members have teamed with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce to educate voters through signs, push cards and meetings with the local business community.

"People have to make a decision; there's very little of our landscape left," Paulson said. "Most all of us living in Cobb County have benefited in some way from the tremendous growth and development. Now we're getting down to the end run of our available land."

Because the county will be using existing debt, the general obligation bond will not lead to an increase of what residents are already paying.

Rejecting it, however, could save owners of a $200,000 home about $13.60 each year after 2010, said Cobb Communications Director Robert Quigley.

Cobb commissioners can buy parcels using debt now occupied by a $39 million bond approved in 1993 to pay for the existing jail. That bond will expire in 2010, at which time - if voters approve the plan Tuesday - a 10-year parks bond will take effect.

"There is no hidden agenda here," said Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens in a recent interview. "I just reduced the millage (rate) last year. There is no tax (or) fee that's more despised by local governments than millage, and this bond gives us the opportunity for a significant increase in parkland without any additional millage. It's an existing tax."

Opponents of the park bond say officials' insistence that the bond will not increase taxes is misleading, and giving the commission control of parkland purchases institutes an unnecessary, extra layer of government.

"If people want more parks, let them pay for them," said Gary Marcus, a member of the Libertarian-backed Cobb Taxpayers Association. "I'm not opposed to parks, but I don't think I have the right to go up to you or anyone else for that matter and tell them to give me their money so I can build one."

Specific tracts of land have not been identified for purchase, but Olens said he envisions small "pocket parks" in each district. Because land across the county is going for about $100,000 to $300,000 an acre, Olens said the bond would allow commissioners to purchase between 133 to 400 acres of parkland.

Before any land is bought, a committee of residents will be appointed by commissioners to advise them on potential land acquisitions.

"At this point, we can't do too much more except have confidence people will respond positively to it," Paulson said. "I see more good in people than selfishness, so I'm trusting people in Cobb County will do the right thing and vote 'yes' on this."

Cobb owns and leases from the Army Corps of Engineers about 5,075 acres of parkland, of which about 4,251 has been developed into youth sports fields and recreation areas. The undeveloped 823 acres is either floodplain or land reserved for events such as the North Georgia State Fair, Olens said.