Peachtree Corners Unveils New City Seal

By Bill Johnson

A day after marking the city's first anniversary, Peachtree Corners City Council gave residents two nice gifts to mark the occasion -- a millage rate of zero and a brand new city seal.

The seal was designed by Accent Creative Group, the company that designed Peachtree Corners international award-winning city logo. Eliminating the millage rate was the product of a City Council dedicated to managing an efficient and effective city government.

"I couldn't be happier," said Mayor Mike Mason. "I am extremely proud of City Council for adopting a fiscally conservative budget that eliminates the millage rate for our citizens. It shows we're on the right track."

Council also addopted a balanced FY 2014 budget of $3.820, 800.

The increase in this year's budget is actually good news because it is the result of new revenue that was not budgeted last year. The city will receive about $1.8 million in franchise fees and $1.8 million in business license fees this year. State law requires that municipalities balance revenue and expenditures.

"We'll receive some revenues that weren't available last year, and we have to budget for both revenues and expenditures," Mason said. "Also, this year's budget includes a full year's salary for the City Manager and City Clerk as well as the lease on City Hall."  Those expenditures did not exist prior to the Fall of last year. 

In other business, council selected Waste Pro to provide sanitation services and authorized the mayor to begin contract negotiations. City Manager Julian Jackson said he expects to have the deal finalized by the July 16 council meeting.

Council member Jeanne Aulbach said, Waste Pro stood out because of their excellent customer service record and the fact they offered potential rewards to customers who recycle.

Council also voted unanimousy to rezone the 20.6-acre tract of land it purchased across from The Forum from apartment zoning to Multi Use Development (MUD).

Editor's note: Bill Johnson is the Public Information Officer for the City of Peachtree Corners.