There’s lots of confusion concerning the proposed constitutional amendments on the November 4^th ballot. Advocates have done little to clear up the confusion about the vaguely worded and misleading amendments that do not reflect the real meaning or intent. This is a common tactic used to confuse voters.

My general rule is, if I can’t clearly understand the wording, I simply vote NO. These amendments are deserving of a NO vote.

Amendment 1: The act would give tax credits for people and corporations who own 200 acres or more of forest property and choose not to develop the forest land for at least 15 years. While tax breaks seem great, this amendment will shift the tax burden to homeowners and businesses to cover the loss of tax revenue on this land. Basically, speculators who have bought land for future development will have a lower tax rate while homeowners and businesses will make up the difference by a reimbursement from our state taxes. This does little to preserve forest land. Vote NO!

Amendment 2: Voting YES on this will change the state constitution and make legal something the Georgia Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional: the use of school funds for development purposes. Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) allow local governments to issue bonds to finance private development that they hope will bring new businesses to blighted areas. In turn, the addition of new businesses is expected to expand the tax digest and thereby increase the property tax revenue collected from the area. So they say. Vote No!

The problem is no tax benefits will be seen for at least 25 years. All Douglas County property owners will be responsible for repayment of these 25-30 year bonds (loans) and the interest if the developers default on their projects.

Another problem is that TADs were designed for blighted areas. What is blight? County officials are unable to sight one area that is actually blighted and in need of “redevelopment”. Douglas County has little or no actual blighted areas. The county does have an abundance of existing homes and available commercial buildings.

This redevelopment will allow for clear cutting of old growth trees, more concrete, asphalt, more traffic congestion and will strain existing infrastructure and increase property taxes outside the TAD areas.  

No specifics have been offered as to how TADs will be used in Douglas County. Vote NO!

Amendment 3: An infrastructure development district (IDD) permits local governments to issue bonds to cover development by private companies. Again, our property will be held responsible for repayment of these bonds if the developer bankrupts on the projects. Vote NO!

Special Election: This would allow the Douglas County government to used TADs within the county as provided in Amendment 2. A similar question is will also be on the city of Douglasville ballot. Vote NO!

The bottom line: These tax amendments will allow multi-million dollar developers and speculators to use our property as collateral to finance their pet projects in the governments hurt for more tax dollars. I’ve had enough of corporate handouts and bailouts. I will vote NO on all ballot questions.

James Bell, Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition 404-452-4668