When Dunwoody began its operations on December 1, 2008, we embarked on a bold journey. With no preexisting ordinances, no established funding, and the urgent need to hire critical personnel and secure essential services, our early days demanded innovation and fiscal creativity. We forged our path using a Tax Anticipation Note from Truist Bank—a decision that enabled us to open our doors without burdening our citizens with an immediate tax increase.
At that time, our City Charter capped the millage rate at 3.04 mils, requiring any tax increase to be approved directly by our voters. This safeguard ensured that revenue needs would only be met with the clear consent of those who call Dunwoody home. In our first year, our budget of approximately $15 million was balanced not only by the strong commercial base provided by Perimeter Center—responsible for 73 percent of our tax revenue—but also by the trust and support of our individual homeowners.
Fast forward to 2025. Dunwoody now operates with a $70 million budget—representing a 5.29 percent increase over 2024—with a significant allocation of $14.3 million dedicated to expanding our police force from 78 to 87 officers and providing a necessary 4 percent salary increase. Initially, when this budget was approved on October 29, 2024, it was announced that no tax increase would be required; additional funds were to come from our reserve. Yet, by the time of our annual council retreat on March 13, 2025, concerns over a potential need to raise taxes had resurfaced.
There is no shortage of questions: Did revenue projections fall short? Has the recent commercial real estate downturn, exacerbated by Covid-19 and evolving workplace trends, begun to impact our once robust tax base? Recent industry reports indicate that significant portions of commercial space in the Central Perimeter market are now vacant or underutilized. Such changes directly affect property values and, consequently, our future tax revenues.
When the council met at the retreat, two options emerged:
1. Adhere to our charter and bring any tax increase proposal directly to the voters, ensuring that the citizens who approved cityhood—82 percent in favor—are fully informed and actively involved in decisions that impact their finances.
2. Adopt a Special Tax District Approach under the Georgia General Law Authority, bypassing the charter’s requirement for voter input. This method, though legally permissible, was chosen by the council despite nearly unanimous support for citizen involvement.
Only Councilor [John] Heneghan voiced an objection to the second method. Yet, when the citizens have repeatedly shown their desire to participate—as seen in the recent bond referendum where voter sentiment led to a 43- to 57-percent rejection—it raises an important question: Why are we now considering a backdoor approach for a tax increase that profoundly affects every Dunwoody resident?
I urge the mayor and council to reconsider. If a tax increase is truly necessary to maintain the quality of our services — particularly the safety provided by our police force—it should be presented to the public through a referendum. This method not only honors the democratic process enshrined in our charter, but also ensures that our citizens are fully informed and engaged in decisions that will shape our city’s future.
Our history, our financial decisions, and our commitment to transparency are all at stake. Let us respect the voice of the people by taking the referendum route. If the tax increase is indeed justified, it will be embraced by the community. A decision made with full citizen involvement will carry far greater legitimacy and support than one made behind closed doors.
Mayor and council, please choose the path of transparency and trust. Let us bring this tax increase to the voters and allow the people of Dunwoody to decide their own fiscal future.
