🌱 Proposed Property Tax Increase + Upcoming Multicultural Festival

Welcome back, Douglasville! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news about...

• The Douglasville City Council intends to increase property taxes
• Vendors are needed for two upcoming events
• Multicultural Festival coming up in September

But first, today's weather:

A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 87 Low: 72.

Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. The Douglasville City Council has announced that it intends to increase property taxes by 14.17 percent. The proposed increase would bring the millage rate from 7.211 mills to 7.711 mills, which would increase the property taxes on a $350,000 home by $133.98 per year. This would be the first increase to the city's millage rate since 2015. There will be public hearings on Aug. 17 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Douglasville Conference Center. The final public hearing will be on Aug. 31 at 5:00 p.m. (DouglasvilleGA.gov)
2. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is seeking vendors and food trucks for two upcoming events. On Saturday, Aug. 12, the department is hosting the Night of the Blue Lights Car Show from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse. On Saturday, Sep. 9, the Ready, Set, Glow 5k will be held at Boundary Waters Park from 6:30-9:00 p.m. If you would like to participate in either of these events as a vendor, you can contact Deputy Shelly Kimball at skimball@sheriff.douglas.ga.us or by calling 678-486-1297. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) via Facebook)
3. This year's Multicultural Festival is coming up on Sep. 9 at 11:00 a.m. This event is organized by the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County and is an opportunity to experience different cultures through food, music, and art. Last year's festival included a performance of the Indian Kuchipudi, Afrocuban dancers, and a puppet show. (Cultural Arts Council Douglasville / Douglas County via Facebook)
4. Children in Georgia may soon need their parents' permission to create social media accounts. Two state senators, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and Sen. Jason Anavitarte, have signaled their intent to pass legislation in 2024 that would require social media companies to verify users' ages and deny access to anyone younger than 18 unless they have parental permission. The legislation would be similar to laws passed in Louisiana, Arkansas, Utah, and Texas. (AP News)
5. There's no shortage of things to do in Douglas County Parks this season. Upcoming events include Line Dancing on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and a Youth Winter Basketball League. To see all upcoming events and activities, head over to the Douglas County Parks and Recreation website. (Douglas County Parks & Recreation)

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Today in Douglasville:

Wednesday, August 9

• Wine Down Wednesdays At Allure Lounge (5:00 PM)
• Teen Talk Group Therapy At Starting Point Development Center (6:30 PM)
• Open Mic Event At Broad Street Station (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Thursday, Aug. 10, the Douglasville Police Department will be holding a Community Enrichment Meeting at 7:00 p.m. This event will include discussions on topics that are important to the community. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
• Did you know that Women of Douglasville has a business directory? Click here to browse through local women-owned businesses. (Women of Douglasville via Facebook)
• The Douglas County Public Library has congratulated Justin Elias for reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. Way to go, Justin! (Douglas County Public Library via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.