Residents from communities just outside Decatur packed a hearing before the city council on Monday night to make their opinions on proposed annexation known.
Community divided over proposed Decatur annexationMore>>
It was standing-room only at a Decatur City Council hearing on Monday night. Residents from several neighborhoods just outside the city are divided over whether or not they should become part of the city, and many of them packed the meeting to make sure their voices were heard.
Neighbors in the community of Midway Woods say they're split over the decision. Some are afraid if they become part of the city, their property taxes will skyrocket.
Generally, those against becoming part of Decatur said they don't want the tax increase. One homeowner said that his taxes could increase up to 40 percent, amounting to $2,000 a year. Others said they were concerned some residents, including elderly residents and single parents, could risk losing their homes due to a tax increase.
And still other residents said they wanted their children to be a part of the Decatur school system, and they feel it's worth a tax increase to get it done.
More than 100 residents made their opinions known to the city council, which will decide whether or not to put the issue on the November 2013 ballot.
Residents are in the process of signing petitions on the issue, and they're due on November 6. The Decatur City Council will address the issue again in December.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Residents from communities just outside Decatur packed a hearing before the city council on Monday night to make their opinions on proposed annexation known.
