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City of Decatur considering several annexations

Residents in the Midway Woods neighborhood, near Memorial Drive and Columbia Drive, are split over a possible annexation into the city of Decatur. The neighborhood is one of several areas along Decatur’s border being considered for annexation. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

In the Midway Woods neighborhood, west of Columbia Drive and on the outskirts of the city of Decatur, an annexation proposal at least four years in the making is pitting neighbor against neighbor.

At issue is a request by some residents of the neighborhood to be annexed into the four-square-mile city of Decatur.

Kevin Polite, a Midway Woods resident for eight years and chairman of the No 2 Decatur annexation opposition group, said the neighborhood “was a close-knit community before the thought of annexation appeared and it has now torn the community in half. 

“Whether all of Midway Woods is annexed or not, there will need to be much healing of the community after the decision has been made,” Polite said.

Approximately 66 of the more than 750 homes in Midway Woods are being considered for annexation into Decatur.

“The Midway Woods Neighborhood Association wants to be in Decatur…[and] is petitioning for all of Midway Woods to be part of Decatur,” Polite said.

Polite said the anti-annexation group was formed because “we felt our voice wasn’t being heard.”

“We’re getting petitions against being annexed,” Polite said. “The majority of people that have signed the [anti-annexation] petition are elderly or they don’t have kids—approximately 65 percent.”

The largest opposition is because of the increase in taxes, Polite said.

According to Decatur’s website, an estimated typical 2012 total tax bill for a home in the city valued at $250,000 is $4,844, while in unincorporated DeKalb County the bill would be $3,514.

Midway Woods is one of six major areas that Decatur officials are studying the feasibility of annexing. In addition to Midway Woods, the areas include: Clairmont and North Decatur Road; the Suburban Plaza area; the Sycamore Hill area; the Derrydown subdivision; and the United Methodist Children’s Home.

“If you included it all,…it’s a modest area,” said Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd said.

City officials say the considered areas have an estimated 4,000 residents, 800 properties and would add approximately 300 acres to the city.

Andrea Arnold, Decatur’s assistant city manager, said officials are “still working on our revenue and expenditure estimates” but the “rough, back-of-the-napkin estimate” is $1 million in revenue for first year.

Floyd said the city’s school system would take in an estimated $2 million.

He said the annexations are being considered because the city has had “a lot of [annexation] requests from a lot of people around Decatur.”

“I feel responsible to at least take a look at it,” Floyd said. “It makes sense to look at the areas and see who can better serve these areas.

“With all the municipalizations, there’s been a lot of concern…about what’s going to happen,” Floyd said.

Floyd said city officials “decided to do a comprehensive look at whether we want to annex.”

“If you’re interested, let us know. If you’re not let us know that too,” Floyd said. “If we don’t see substantial support from the people,” the city won’t annex.

Floyd said city officials will also have to consider a pending impact statement from the City of Decatur School System.

“Anytime we annex, it impacts schools. We have to be careful as to what we want to do. No other city in DeKalb has to worry about that.”

The possible annexations would probably be the last annexations Decatur does, Floyd said.

“We’re not looking to get much bigger,” Floyd said. “We don’t want to be a massive city. We’ve got a culture we’re trying to hold onto.

“I can’t imagine anybody annexing any more than that. It would change the school system dramatically. It would change the city dramatically,” Floyd said.

Floyd said the benefit of annexation to residents in the areas is “access to what we consider a higher level of service” for police and schools.

“We’re trying to figure out if there are any benefits to the city,” Floyd said. “There may not be any benefits to the city. That’s what this whole process is all about.”

The Decatur City Commission will hold a public meeting on annexation from 6-8 p.m., Oct. 22, in the commission meeting room at the Decatur City Hall, 509 North McDonough Street.

On Dec. 17, city officials plan to make a recommendation to the city commission on whether or not to adopt an annexation resolution, Arnold said. If an annexation resolution is passed, it would go to the Georgia General Assembly, which would vote to authorize any necessary referendum on the matter.

 


Comments (12)

Said this on 10/18/12 At 01:06 pm
Eric, that is the Dekalb portion and doesn't include the Decatur portion.
We had a team test 40 test homes including yours and we came up with $873 for Your address. AND Remember if property values increase so will your taxes.
Again, why is no one of color or anyone over 45 is on your side?
Shouldn't you reach out to these seniors and do it for them? You want it they don't
Anon, Rick, Madam Butterfly Or whatever, you're just angry at me and never state any facts. You act like a little school girl so no need for me to further address your childlike behavior.
Eric Larson
Said this on 10/18/12 At 12:04 pm
Kevin, What I am upset about is your continued efforts to misinform the neighborhood. What you fail to realize is, that if the people that are on a fixed income would call the CoD and find out what there property taxes would be, they may find that their property taxes would go down. In the example of our next door neighbor. She is a 79 y/o black woman, her taxes would decrease under CoD. We did our homework, and our taxes would increase by $400.00 a year. That equivalates to $33 a month. I really don't think someone would lose their home over that. It doesn't matter to me if the neighborhood is annexed or not, I truly could care less. Here is another hot topic from your beloved AJC, DeKalb County is considering making unincorporated DeKalb, the City of DeKalb. Reason being, they then can go after $30 million in utility funds, that the county cannot pursue. DeKalb County is losing $25 million from Brookhaven, and possibly another $15 million from Chamblee becoming a city. That would still be a $10 million dollar shortfall, if City of DeKalb became reality. It doesn't appear that it will become reality. That being said, where do you think that $40 million dollars is going to come from? That's right, you, me, and the people you think will lose their home from being annexed into City of Decatur. DeKalb's taxes have risen at a much faster rate than the City of Decatur's taxes have. Get your facts straight, man, before you go spreading propaganda and inaccuracies. Peggy Merris isn't the referenced contact for property taxes, it's not her job, City of Decatur's contact is Shawn Shabazz, she can be reached at: 404-370-4100. DeKalb County's contact is Larissa Ellis, she can be reached at: 404-298-3068. And I did that without calling somone's children ill-mannered. Let the record state, I am not a member of the MWNA.
Said this on 10/18/12 At 08:49 am
You can't even accurately quote what your own flier said. I'm looking at what I received and it states: "Do you want a 40% Increase in Property Taxes?" So no, you did not say up to a 40% increase. Again, you continue to mistate information and deliberately mislead people to support your own agenda.
And this isn't Rick, so you really shouldn't single someone out before being 100% sure to whom you are speaking.
Said this on 10/17/12 At 07:17 pm
Rick I have your email. Besides our group has black and white, old and young members, all income levels. we are truly reflective of the neighborhood and your group isn't.

Talk to those who don't look like you and you'll see you have angered 65-70% of Midway Woods. We don't want to pay additional taxes for your ill-mannered children to go to Decatur. Why don't you either move to Decatur or pay for private schools instead of trying to make everyone else do so. You and those on Midway Woods Neighborhood Association Board are selfish and inconsiderate. Some people in the n'hood could lose their homes over the increased taxes and you all don't care or never even thought about those people.
P.s. why are you two so angry?
Said this on 10/17/12 At 07:06 pm
Taxes will increase regardless of size or value of home or age of resident. Ask Peggy Merris, City of Decatur City Manager. Ask the folks at City of Decatur. If you'll note we said up to 40%, however, ever single resident in Midway Woods taxes will increase"if" annexed. Dispute that without making personal assaults.
Said this on 10/17/12 At 08:31 am
No2decatur, remember the old saying about what happens when you assume...You can trot out every email you have and I can guarantee that my name is not on a single one. Your powers of observation and ability to fact check continue to amaze....
As to your witnesses' statements, I would give them about as much weight as I do your statements, which based upon my previous posts is clearly zero. And if you made a formal complaint, I'm sure it is being addressed, as is every other complaint that has been made.
It's ironic that you comment on the amount of time I spent responding. It actually takes less time to respond with accurate facts and truthful statements than it does to respond with fabricated, misleading, and incomplete information.
Eric Larson
Said this on 10/16/12 At 06:43 pm
Kevin, again you are providing inaccurate information. You were told that you could be apart of the AIC as long as you relinquished your position with No2Decatur. (I too have the emails, sir) You have been given every opportunity to be apart, and were even asked to attend the meeting when the committee was formed. You were told that as long as you were apart of that organization, you would not be able to be unbiased, and therefore not a fit for the committee. I ask you to quit spreading hearsay, and propaganda. Your mailings are not accurate and will also announced on the listserv, as well. Not every resident would receive a 40% tax increase "IF" annexed in the City of Decatur. It may be possible to some or no individuals. Unless you know their current financial situation, age, number of children, retirement income, and investments (which I highly doubt), you cannot give them a true and meaningful assessment of their property taxes. That's why the AIC told the people of the neighborhood to call the references with the City of Decatur, and also DeKalb County, and do their homework. That is the only way to truly know what your tax liability would be. Here is another thing to think about, do you not think DeKalb County's taxes are not going to increase? Especially with the $25 million dollars lost revenue of Brookhaven's property taxes. Please don't think that I am singling you out, but as a member of the AIC, it is my duty to the neighborhood to provide the most accurate information. That being said, mistakes are sometimes made, they will be corrected when pointed out. If someone from the "pro" side was telling inaccuracies, we would be bringing that to light, as well.
Said this on 10/14/12 At 07:28 pm
Anon I have your emails where you explicitly requested I not be on the committee. You not so coyly never say you have asked the annexation committe members directly, have they canvassed.
Again, you merely deflect the question because you know or perhaps dont know, its true. We have witnesses to this. Ask those in question and you'll see what we say is true.
Lastly, you sure seem to have a ton of time to post in this site!
Said this on 10/12/12 At 01:21 pm
First, I find it very hard to believe that the MWNA has ignored or not addressed No2decatur’s formal complaint. The individuals who make up the MWNA and its associated volunteers, based upon my perception of recent events, have done nothing but bend over backwards to answer, accommodate, and address all complaints and concerns, whether formal and informal. I think people often lose sight of the fact that these individuals are volunteers, not employees of the neighborhood. They all have jobs, families, and lives way from the MWNA, so sometimes things cannot be addressed as promptly as some would like. Also, it is often overlooked that in order to obtain accurate or correct information or investigate further, other individuals, groups, or entities must be questioned or consulted. If they do not respond promptly, neither can the Association.
Second, the Annexation Information Committee is comprised solely of volunteers. No particular demographic was sought out. If no other demographics are represented, it is because no one was willing to step up and volunteer, commit to the time and to the ability to remain neutral. Members of the Annexation Information Committee, both those who were in favor of annexation and those against, stepped down from their positions because of their inability to remain neutral. The key is the ability to remain neutral and I would have serious doubts as to someone’s ability to remain neutral, collect and present neutral data who has already voiced their opinion, whatever it may be.
I do not know of any member of the MWNA who has definitively said that someone against annexation cannot be on the Information Committee. Based upon the last meeting, the issue of whether a neighbor who is vocally in favor or opposed to annexation could be on the Annexation Information Committee was tabled, by vote of the neighbors present, until a later meeting due to time constraints and other issues on the agenda. No objection was raised.
Third, the power point presentation was not filled with inaccuracies. Based upon response #3, you likely thought the power point presentation was bad because there were actual facts and data that supported annexation, particularly, information that favored the senior citizens of the neighborhood, specially, that senior citizens can receive compounding tax exemptions (as opposed to DeKalb which one grants the one most beneficial), which likely lower their taxes, perhaps to an amount even lower than that they currently pay in DeKalb. The data that was presented was compiled based upon research and contacting with the City of Decatur and DeKalb County, which citations and specific references to the resources used. Neither No2decatur nor anyone in opposition to annexation have provided citations to resources when providing their statistics which raises serious questions about the source of information, completeness of said information, the truthfulness thereof, and unbiased nature. No one tried to hide anything. As much information as could be provided in that amount of time was disseminated and even more was included on the power point slides, which were posted on the neighborhood website for continued access. Peggy Merriss clarified the tax freeze issue, noting that the shift in the percentage to remain frozen was due to shift in the percentage of taxes that go to the schools. Those amounts are different for City of Decatur and DeKalb. If that is the only inaccuracy that you can point to, I say that one clarification, not correction, is not bad considering that amount of information that was provided.
Fourth, the accusation that the Board has not reached out to anyone who does not look like them, I believe is totally unfounded. What basis do you have for this? Likely none, other than your own personal opinion. Our neighborhood is incredibly diverse which is part of what makes it such wonderful and interesting place to live. To insinuate that the MWNA, the Board, or anyone else involved, on either side of the annexation line is discriminating against anyone is disgraceful. Such accusations, no matter how thinly over heavily veiled, are uncalled for and have lasting repercussions, even when untrue, as is the case here. I am curious what demographics No2decautr is targeting other than senior citizens and individuals without children.
Lastly, the Board, MWNA, and the volunteers associated there with have talked to the entire neighborhood, through several unbiased venues. Monthly meetings are held where anyone may attend and bring a matter to the floor. The first annexation meeting was conducted more in a town hall style to allow people to speak their minds, voice concerns, and ask questions. A vote as to whether those present were in favor or opposed to annexation was held. A survey was put out to the entire neighborhood, both online and in paper form, to allow neighbors to rank their concerns for the neighborhood, whether it be taxes, property value, crime, schools, sidewalks, etc. Another survey is being conduct to determine whether neighbors want annexation. It expressly states, “this is not a petition.” It is being conducted in a neutral manner and is trying to glean as much information as possible so that the voices of all, young, old, parents, grandparents, and those with no children alike. There is no basis to say that one group is being targeted or excluded. The entire neighborhood is being canvassed for this information. I think the MWNA is doing the best that it can to gather as much information from every neighbor in a neutral and fair manner, and it is on this basis that the MWNA can speak for everyone. If a neighbor elects not to respond, that is their prerogative and right. The MWNA and the Board, I believe, strive to listen to each and every neighbor and represent everyone in the best manner possible.
No2decatur
Said this on 10/12/12 At 09:44 am
Members of the MWNA are out canvassing for petitions. When No2decatur presented this information in the form of a formal complaint it was never denied, just not addressed directly. Their "non bias" Annexation committee consist of only the demographic that is pushing for annexation.
Even though all members of this committee is for annex, they did not allow any members of against annexation committee to be on there.
There so called presentation, which was one of the worst power point presentations ee have ever seen was full of inaccuracies. They went out of their way to put only favorable items toward the city. Even Peggy Merriss City of Decatur Manager had to correct them when they tried hide the fact that 80% of the taxes do not get the tax freeze like in DeKalb.
Also this is a diverse community and the Board hasn't reached out to those who do not look like them...older with no kids or grown kids, actually many are grandparents! If they actually wanted to represent the neighbor they need to get out and talk to those neighbors who have lived here 20 & 30 years. They don't so how can they say they speak for Midway Woods.
Anon Ymous
Said this on 10/12/12 At 09:29 am
Mr. Polite's statement that the Midway Woods Neighborhood Association is petitioning to have the whole neighborhood annexed into the City of Decatur and is in favor of annexation is 100% inaccurate and false. While this may be Mr. Polite's personal opinion, it is factually incorrect. To the contrary, the Midway Wood Woods Neighborhood Association has strived to remain, and proclaimed its neutrality, even forming an Annexation Information Committee which is neutral and sole purpose is to collect and disseminate information regarding both annexation and remaining in DeKalb County. This has been stated repeatedly by both the Neighbood Association and the Annexation Information Committee at meetings, on the neighborhood website, as well as the two neighborhood annexation meetings which have been held. At the last neighborhood annexation meeting, a neutral, side-by-side comparison of taxes, property values, schools, etc. for City of Decatur and DeKalb County was conducted. No pro-annexation information was provided nor petition offered. This is yet another attempt on the part of those who do not favor annexation to misrepresent and mislead those who are not familiar with the debate in our neighborhood and not fully informed as to the issues.
Said this on 10/12/12 At 09:17 am
The scary part is that the MWNA Board has put out a "survey" that is actually a petition in hopes of fooling the neighborhood so they can present their "findings" to City of Decatur. The survey is geared toward people with children, it's very misleading.
Also, in speaking with the other areas that are anti-annexation Mayor Floyd has something else up his sleeve. The citizens of Decatur have not been adequently informed and the school systems there as it is cannot absord any more students with the current number of buildings.

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