The Atlanta City Council voted 15-0 at its Aug. 6 meeting to lower the city’s millage rate from 8.83 to 7.85, making this the 6th consecutive year of reductions. On June 18, the Atlanta City Council adopted a $2.1 billion 2019 operating budget, which includes $661.3 million for the general fund. The budget was adopted prior to receipt of the final tax digest from Fulton County. The final digest from Fulton County has now been received. The budget is based on a modest 2.5 percent projected growth in the value of new construction in the city.

Also on Monday, the City Council voted 14-0 to allow Atlanta voters to decide on the Sunday Brunch Bill. If approved in a Nov. 6 referendum, it will allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays beginning at 11 a.m. Currently, alcohol can be sold for consumption on Sundays after 12:30 p.m. in the city. During its 2018 session, the Georgia General Assembly approved legislation allowing counties and municipalities to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises during certain times on Sundays subject to voter approval by local residents.

The council also approved $25,000 from the nonprofit KaBoom for the purpose of funding the Freedom Riders Play Space as a new addition dedicated to U.S. Congressman John Lewis and the Freedom Riders at John Lewis Commemorative Park, located on the PATH Trail in Freedom Park.

Collin Kelley

Collin Kelley has been the editor of Atlanta Intown for two decades and has been a journalist and freelance writer for 35 years. He’s also an award-winning poet and novelist.