The following is an open letter released today by Brookhaven Mayor John Park, clarifying his views on the city's public hearings to opt out of the state's new property tax cap. Park says he does not support the measure, but that the hearings are necessary since there is only one chance to opt out. Below is his letter in full.

The following is an open letter released today by Brookhaven Mayor John Park, clarifying his views on the city’s public hearings to opt out of the state’s new property tax cap. Park says he does not support the measure, but that the hearings are necessary since there is only one chance to opt out. Below is his letter in full.

Dear residents,

This week, the City of Brookhaven posted a public hearing notification that has already generated a lot of interest and response. This was a notification about HB 581, passed by the state last year, which made changes to the statewide floating homestead exemption. The language in the notification was guided by law, and I can see how it can easily be interpreted as intent.  No formal decision has been made yet on HB 581, but I would like to offer some information which I hope will make the issue clearer.

Brookhaven homeowners currently enjoy a freeze (zero percent growth in valuation) enumerated in the City charter that is more beneficial than the new cap placed by the state legislature (3 percent maximum growth in valuation based on inflation). While our school and county taxes have risen substantially, your city taxes are lower than at the city’s inception due to additional exemptions enacted by the council over the past 6 years. We also enjoy one of the lowest millage rates in DeKalb County.

Opting out of HB 581 would not affect Brookhaven homeowners unless Brookhaven’s current assessment freeze were to be removed in the future.

I want to make one thing clear: I do not support opting out of this legislation as it will be an added protection for future taxpayers.

Because of the specific steps prescribed by the legislation, the council has only one chance to “opt out”. A future council, by law, will not have that opportunity.

Due to the permanent and serious nature of this decision, it’s important to respect the prescribed public process that is out in the open, where information is vetted thoroughly, and all opinions are considered in a formal public process. Brookhaven places a premium on transparency and public engagement. If there was ever anything that should be discussed in a public forum, this is it.

I look forward to engaging each of you in a robust public discussion.

Yours in service,

Mayor John Park

Note: This is an opinion article as designated by the the category placement on this website. It is not news coverage. If this disclaimer is funny to you, it isn’t aimed at you — but some of your friends and neighbors honestly have trouble telling the difference.

John Park is the Mayor of Brookhaven.
John Park

John Park is the Mayor of Brookhaven.