Douglasville Voters Could Approve $25M In Bond Funds For Davis Park Improvements

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — In addition to city council candidates, city of Douglasville residents will also have another item to approve — or deny — on the ballot Nov. 2: a $25 million bond referendum for Jessie Davis Park improvements.

According to city documents, the $25 million will be used to renovate Jessie Davis Park, including adding synthetic turf on playing fields, a new swimming pool, splash pad, restroom building and pavilion areas, as well as other phases for a two-story gym with an indoor walking track, multi-use trails, upgraded playground, a new community center and a new senior center.

The question will be posed like this on the ballot, with the option to vote yes or no:

"Shall general obligation debt of the City of Douglasville, Georgia be issued in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000 in order to fund the acquisition, construction and furnishing of additional amenities and recreational facilities at the Jessie G. Davis Memorial Park, and the costs of issuing the debt?"

If approved, Douglasville homeowners' property taxes would have to increase to pay for the bond referendum. For example, property owners of a $150,000 home would pay an extra $150 per year in taxes, the Douglas County Sentinel reported.

But even if voters don't approve the referendum, the changes will still need to occur, Assistant City Manager Chelsea Jackson told the Sentinel. The bond referendum will just make it cheaper for taxpayers since the city could borrow money at a lower rate and pay less in repayment in the future.