The Metro Times Atlanta May 2018 | Page 5

Page 5 MAY 2018 CONYERS CITY GOVERNMENT Three years ago, the City of Conyers’ leaders realized the need for a dedicated municipal courtroom, the need for more office space and to centralize departments, the need to upgrade public safety facilities, and the need to create a positive impact on Olde Town. As a good steward, the City took the following ap- propriate steps:  Hired Croft and Associates three years ago to conduct a Needs Assessment;  Hired an architect two years ago to develop de- signs based on the Needs Assessment report that takes advantage of existing property and new facilities;  Sought research from experts such as the Ameri- can Planning Association to discover the impact on property values, local merchants, and tax rev- enues; and,  Armed with information, the leaders were able to seek property that would fit the facility’s needs while enhancing Olde Town. Architectural Plan for New City Hall The transparency of these efforts will allow voters to be fully informed as they go to the polls on May 22 nd to approve a bond referendum for 13 million dollars.  It will increase property values and tax revenue to a point that can lower the millage rate, and create a positive impact for residents and local merchants; Reasons for voters to approve the City’s request in- cludes, but is not limited to:  It will take advantage of a lower interest rate because of the City’s AAA bond rating ensuring a rate less than 3.5%...thus saving millions;  It is a plan that allows citizens to know where every dime will be spent prior to voting; and,  Citizens can trust that the City’s leadership has been diligent in its planning.   It is a necessity-based on growth of the City in the last 29 years and the need to meet federal man- dates; It will provide Conyers a new facility that will be within walking distance of Olde Town; The Moving Conyers Forward Committee requests that citizens attend information forums being held on April 26 th and May 10 th to see the architectural drawings, see the budget, and ask questions of the Mayor and City Council Members. Voters will know that leadership has done its home- work, therefore allowing the Committee to respectfully ask citizens of Conyers to vote YES on May 22 nd . www.movingconyersforward.com Rendering of Municipal Court location on current City campus