Freedom Rings in Milton
The 2nd Annual Fourth of July Citizens Parade was a grand success. Many families travel during July but the lucky families who joined the parade had a fun time. The pets and wagons and horses were patriotic. Red. white and blue was flowing!
Photos taken by Nikki Haslett can be viewed by clicking on http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102639952151&s=835&e=001RHgcImffO4oJb8ertiKJM0uVudOa9Qmr2QQDCdU-nMuJ9oMYNytVQaZd_KNZsZwnaXZ3nlRwdEiYCIx1MIH5ZDrfkvbvThftSRVb8fDNpMwZuVDg1rNYPRUWVixk7q3g_ejc-qRPCtIMEV9HC0-eC4qo2XTqoqsI4MGRbaMtz0vLqhErQXl3WA==
Dear Milton Neighbor,
It was a pleasure seeing so many neighbors at the Independence Day Citizens parade July 4th. I had a great time riding in the truck and throwing candy and footballs to the children. If anyone did not get a football, give me a call and I will hook you up!
As you continue to enjoy this hot but glorious summer, please remember that city business continues. We have several meetings this month that offer the opportunity for public input.
Parks and Recreation Town Hall Meeting 6:00 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at Milton City Hall
This meeting will afford citizens the opportunity to tell city staff, consultants and planners what types of park develop is needed in Milton. Citizens should be prepared to discuss the types of programs you would like to see the city provide in the future.
This is a wonderful time to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Milton. Come out and make sure your voice is heard. Milton's most important asset is you.
Comprehensive Plan Community Planning Charrette July 18, 2009
This is the meeting forum during which citizens have a more formal voice in determining the future of the City. Your thoughts and suggests are always welcomed and this is a great opportunity for you to share with the city staff and planners.
The Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) and the Community Development Department are hosting this Community Planning Charrette as part of the City's 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan. There will be two identical sessions as follows: Community Planning CharretteSaturday, July 18, 2009Session 1: 9 AM to 12 noon Session 2: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PMMilton City Hall City Council Chambers
Crabapple Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 6:00, Alpharetta's Crabapple Government Center. This meeting hosted by Council members Thurman (District 1) and Lusk (District 3) will offer presentations from members of the community who have ideas for and proposals for future development in Crabapple. Crabapple is a unique historical part of our Milton community and should be revered and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Make sure you come and learn more from business leaders and citizens from the community.
Each of these meetings will be informative and worth your time to attend!
Celebrating the Anniversary of ADA
The month of July is a time when we celebrate the anniversary of the American's with Disability Act (ADA) and also support National Parks and Recreation Month. Click here to more about MDAC and ADA. You can also visit the city web site to check out the photo taken during the recent proclamation we presented at the July 6, 2009, City Council Meeting.
Budgets Tighten - Call for No Tax Increase
I do not need to tell you that citizens, cities, counties and states across the U.S. are all experiencing financial challenges. Some of the financial challenges are greater than others. We are fortunate in the City of Milton to have a balanced budget and opportunity to remain fiscally conservative. The City of Milton has amended the 2009 budget to adjust for tax revenue shortfall and other slow revenue collections. The city council and staff have worked hard to make sure the city continues to operate with a balanced budget with appropriate spending even in these tough economic times.
There are some implications that citizens will face from the federal, state and local level. One such issue impacts the Homestead Relief Grant that many residents receive. While it is not a huge amount of money, it is a sign of some financial concerns I have which are spawned from federal and state level funding. The city council is committed to making sure we do everything possible to continue the high level of city service and support to all tax paying citizens and their families.
I do not support an increase in taxes. I support smart and appropriate spending. Join me at upcoming City Council Meetings listed below to learn more about the financial implications to you in these financially challenging times.
It is my honor to serve as your city council representative from District 5. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Tina D'Aversa
Milton City Council Member
Ddistrict 5 at large
678-242-2498 Direct
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
Homestead Relief Grant Funding (review from July 1 newsletter)
Fulton County has decided not to fund the homestead exemption fund this year. This is a product of the fiscal challenges facing the state and country. The HTRG shows up as a credit on the tax bill. For Milton City taxes, the credit amounts to $37.85 per eligible property. For County and school taxes, the credit is around $215. To be eligible, the property owner must live in and own the home as of January 1 and file for homestead exemption with the County prior to the April 1 deadline. A city must first extend the credit to the property owners and then submit a reimbursement request for it. This year's legislative session produced
The city of Milton finance director spoke with the Dept of Revenue representative that handles the HTRG program and she said that it is highly unlikely that any funds will be appropriated in the near future given the condition of the economy. Since the State will not be able to fund this program, our citizens will experience an overall increase of approximately $250 in their tax bills this year. This equates, on average, to $37.85 attributable to Milton and $215 attributable to the County. It affects around 6,800 properties in Milton. The city council will discuss appropriate action by the city during an upcoming City Council Meeting. We have asked our city manager and finance director to review the budget for additional reductions and some minor tightening in order to ensure no reduction in service delivery to citizens and no increase in taxes.
Meetings and Events Click on the event title for additional information or the Calendar link below.
July is National Parks and Recreation Month
City of Milton May Meeting Calendar of the City Boards and Commissions
Forth of July Citizens Parade July 4, 2009, 9:30 AM, Milton City Hall
City Council Meeting July 6, 2009, 6:00 PM City Council Meetings are scheduled three Mondays a month at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Milton, Georgia 30004
Milton Milers Walking Club
Milton walkers meet at Starbucks at Bethany Bend and Highway 9 each Sunday at 7:00 PM and walk for health wellness and neighborly conversation
Disability Awareness Committee Meeting July 8, 2009, 7:00 PM, Milton City Hall
Milton Grows Green Meeting, July 9, 2009, 6:00 PM, Birmingham Fire Station Parks & Recreation Town Hall Meeting July 16, 2009, 6:00 PM, Milton City Hall
Community Planning CharretteSaturday, July 18, 2009, Session 1: 9 AM to 12 noon Session 2: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PMMilton City Hall City Council Chambers
City Council Meeting July 20, 2009, 6:00 PM
City Council Special Called Work Session July 27, 2009, 6:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE FOR A CELEBRATION
Please join me at the home of Paul and Dani English Saturday, August 15, 2009, for some "southern" food and spirits. The English are hosting a celebration on my behalf and you are all invited. Watch for invitations coming next week.
Saturday, August 15, 2009, 7:00 PM at the English Home on Thompson Road.
Casual summer attire is appropriate.
1 comment:
Tina,
yours are getting much longer than Julie's. You need to tighten up!
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