Second parks bond backed, but not if it means new taxes

From the Marietta Daily Journal on Thursday, July 3, 2008 by Ashley Hungerford, staff writer

MARIETTA - Cobb voters will likely have one more thing to decide on Nov. 4 - whether to approve a second $40 million parks bond. No tax increase would be required, commissioners say.

All five commissioners told the Journal they support putting a second parks bond on the Nov. 4 ballot. In 2006, voters overwhelmingly supported the original $40 million parks bond.

"It certainly adds to the quality of life for everyone that takes advantage of the parks," said Commissioner Tim Lee. "I am in support of second parks bond, but recognize the importance of community support and approval of Cobb residents."

Commissioners are expected to decide by their July 22 meeting whether to seek the referendum on Nov. 4. At least three commissioners, a majority, must approve to make that happen.

But all five commissioners were also clear that they would not support raising taxes for parks.

Chairman Sam Olens said the county would pay for the 15-year, $40 million parks bond by diverting revenue raised by .1 mills of county property taxes from the fire fund to the debt fund. Cobb's total millage is 9.6 mills, meaning property owners pay $9.60 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Of the county's mills, 6.82 mills go to the county's general fund; 2.56 mills to the fire fund; and 0.22 mills to debt-service.

"The transfer will permit fire and emergency services to fully fund needed improvements," Olens said.

Commissioner Annette Kesting, who represents southwest Cobb, said: "As a tax payer of Cobb County, I will not support a tax increase for the purchase of additional park land, and I don't believe the voters of District 4 will support a tax increase to purchase parkland."

Most of the commissioners agree that purchasing properties, rather than developing the parks, should be the priority.

"Because of the scarcity of land, I would focus on just the acquisition of land," Commissioner Joe Lee Thompson said.

The county's Community Development Office reported this year that only 14 percent of the county remains un/underdeveloped.

Commissioner Helen Goreham, of northwest Cobb, and Kesting represent the areas with the most available acreage.

"Since Cobb County is nearly built-out, it is imperative that this bond be used for the acquisition of land," Goreham said. "However, the board needs to examine ways in which we can increase public usage of our properties without expending significant amounts of money."

Challengers for seats on the commission agree on the need to purchase parkland.

Bob Ott and Ron Sifen, Republicans challenging Thompson in the July 15 primary, both said they support the bond effort.

Ott said the bond should be part of a comprehensive plan to fund future parkland and green space.

"Because of the nature and location of the available land, the longer the county waits to purchase land in the more populated areas of the county, the less affordable and available it becomes," Ott said. More parks make the county a more desirable place to live, he said.

"The current real-estate market provides a unique opportunity to acquire needed green space at potentially affordable prices," Sifen said. "Green-space acquisition should be a priority now."

Candidates seeking Kesting's commission seat also favor the park plan.

Former Commissioner Woody Thompson said should purchase more parkland "while the prices are right."

Dr. Michael Rhett, a Democrat, said the Board of Commissioners "has a history of spending money wisely on parks and recreation."

Republican Barbara Hickey said, "The future will determine that Cobb County was not only fiscally responsible in its parkland purchases, but showed bold vision in planning for the sense of community it adds for its citizens."

Clarice Barber-Page and Elma Forest did not respond by press time, but both have previously expressed support for a second parks bond.

ahungerford@mdjonline.com