The city of Sandy Springs wants residents to hear about the benefits of having their ZIP codes recognized as part of the city, but also wants to combat misinformation about what that recognition means.
The city has rolled out its “ZIP UP Sandy Springs” campaign. The campaign promotes the benefits of having a ZIP code recognized as Sandy Springs instead of the city of Atlanta, which is currently the default setting for many ZIP codes. Recently, the U.S. Postal Service agreed to recognize seven ZIP codes – 30328, 30350, 30319, 30327, 30338, 30339 and 30342 – as Sandy Springs if approved by a majority of residents as part of a survey.
City spokeswoman Sharon Kraun said there will be a public information meeting on Dec. 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at city hall that will include Atlanta Postmaster Maged Aziz. There will also be another meeting in January, but the date is not set.
After Jan. 1, the postal service will send a survey to residents and businesses. If 80 percent of the businesses responding and a simple majority of residents indicate that they want the ability to choose which city they are in, the post office will then work with the city to give residents the option.
Kraun said she can’t emphasize enough that this is not a change in ZIP codes. It’s just giving residents the ability to choose whether they are in Sandy Springs or another city, she said.
She said there are several reasons residents would benefit from the distinction of being in Sandy Springs. Because of the default postal service software, people who order a product online or purchase a car are paying Atlanta 1 percent more than they would pay Sandy Springs. Atlanta’s sales tax is 8 percent. Sandy Spring’s is 7 percent.
“If you live in Sandy Springs you’re paying an extra 1 percent sales tax (to the city of Atlanta),” Kraun said. “That $1.50 you pay in your phone bill for 911, we want to make sure that it goes to Sandy Springs.”
Kraun said beyond the financial benefits, it’s a matter of civic pride.
Councilman Chip Collins said he will do his part to get the word out to his constituents.
“It’s been a part of the city’s push from day one, part of our branding campaign as a city,” Collins said. “It’s important for residents and individuals to identify themselves as a part of Sandy Springs as opposed to some other area, and getting the postal service on board is a big part of that.”
