AJC on T-SPLOST's impact on Atlanta's long-term economic health

Need, impact, numbers, debate: the AJC discusses how different constituencies view the T-SPLOST vote coming up on July 31.

Also, the AJC has indexed all its stories on the T-SPLOST at http://www.ajc.com/news/transportation-referendum/

No longer lost: Prancer (a little chihuahua)

Yay! Prancer is back home with his family.

60% success rate for DeKalb property tax appeals [AJC]

The AJC reviewed finalized tax appeals for 11 Metro Atlanta counties and DeKalb appealers had some of the highest success rates, at 60%. Other notables: Clayton, Fayette and Gwinnett (75-80%),  Cherokee (60%), Fulton (57%), Henry and Forsyth (56%). "Success" reflects a 10%+ reduction relative to the tax bill being appealed.

Dissatisfied owners can seek a reduction in value through three procedural levels. First they appeal to the local board of tax assessors. If they don’t get what they think is fair, they can turn to a board of equalization, a citizen panel that conducts formal hearings. If they’re still not satisfied, they can appeal to Superior Court.

See the AJC article for recommendations of what documents to bring to your appeals hearing.

The appeal deadline for DeKalb is July 14.  Follow this link for  instructions on how to appeal in DeKalb county.

The Economist on T-SPLOST

The Economist takes a look at our very own little T-SPLOST melodrama:

...The vote raises important questions: what does metro Atlanta want to look like ten years from now? What government functions do citizens believe important enough to voluntarily tax themselves to fund?...

and highlights a new and sinister angle to the debate: some local politicians are claiming it's all a United Nations plot to force everyone to walk and ride bikes. Read the whole thing here. If you too are concerned about "the tyranny of bike lanes," follow their link to The Atlantic Wire article by that title.

10-day Hotlanta warning

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Temperatures in the Atlanta area are expected to reach 100F over the next several days; extreme UV levels are also expected.  The GA Department of Natural Resources also predicts air quality to hit code orange:

Under code orange conditions, the outdoor air is likely to be unhealthy for some people. Children, people who are sensitive to ozone and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest 

To stay cool and safe, review these heat preparedness tips for people, pets, and for your landscaping too.

New ruling to benefit home insurance holders

The AJC reports on a ruling that awards homeowner insurance claimants the ability to receive payment for permanent loss of value (i.e., damages that need to be disclosed at future closings and therefore can affect resale value), in addition to just for repairs:

"This is a big deal for homeowners," said former Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, who supported the rule change. "It's a major sweeping case that's going to give a lot more rights to the insurance consumer. It's one of the biggest cases for consumers that's come down in years." 

It works like this: A homeowner whose foundation was damaged by a storm may get money to repair the house, but the home's value could still plummet because owners have to explain its troubled past to potential buyers.  . . . continue reading @ AJC

This morn', at the South Fork of South Peachtree Creek...

catbird: photo by Russ

...on and along the trail at Medlock Park: one great blue heron; a family of mallard ducks (mama, papa and 6 teenagers); crows; and a catbird, belting out an impressive medley.