• Open space preservation helps communities grow smart, preventing the higher costs of unplanned development
• Parks and open space create a high quality of life that attracts tax-paying businesses and residents to communities
• Owners of small companies ranked recreation/parks/open spaces as the highest priority in choosing a new location for their business

• 70% of the revenue will be used to acquire additional park land and Greenspace
• 30% of the revenue will be used to improve equipment for recreational facilities
• The owner of a $150,000 home will pay an additional $57 a year in property taxes
• A DeKalb Citizen Advisory Board will be created to help guide project priorities and to provide for fiscal accountability
• Over 70% of DeKalb County is already developed

Why do we need a parks and recreation bond referendum now?
70% of the land in DeKalb County is already developed. The availability of land is rapidly decreasing and the price of land is steadily increasing. If we are to preserve land for public use we must act quickly.

How will the County fund this Project?
This project will be funded through a bond referendum. The bond referendum will be paid back over a 15 year period.

What is this project going to cost me per year?
If your home is valued at $100,000 your cost will be $38
If your home is valued at $150,000 your cost will be $57.
If your home is valued at $300,000 your cost will be $114.

Who will be able to vote this bond referendum?
Citizens that live in unincorporated DeKalb County.

How can I support the bond referendum in DeKalb?
Visit www.GreenDeKalb.com.

How will the funds be distributed?
The DeKalb Comprehensive Strategic Plan will guide the expenditure with the assistance of a citizens advisory board.

Can the money be used for projects other than purchase of land and improvement of recreational facilities?
No, the funds can only be used for land purchase, improvement of existing facilities, and construction of new facilities.

Will citizens be involved in deciding how the money is spent?
Yes, a citizens review committee comprised of DeKalb County citizens from Dunwoody to Ellenwood will make recommendations to the board of commissioners about how the money should be spent.

Why is the vote on March 20?
A special election has been arranged to elect a new sheriff. Holding the bond referendum on this day saves taxpayers $160,000.

What financial benefits do parks provide?
Parks are not only important to our quality of life, but are also assets that increase our county’s desirability and marketability as a place to live, work and play. Parks rank in the top ten factors at the core of business location and retention decisions. They are strong economic generators that boost local economies, reduce crime and protect our natural resources.

What quality of live benefits do parks provide?
Greenspace can reduce stress and encourage community interaction. Parks also offer excellent education opportunities for our county's youth. Several schools adjacent to greenspace have been able to demonstrate the intricacies of nature and enhance their respect for it.

Shall special recreation tax district, general obligation parks bonds to acquire land for additional parks and natural areas, preserve Greenspace, protect clean water, improve existing parks and develop new facilities, in the amount of $125,000,000 be issued by DeKalb County, and not less that 70% of the net proceeds shall be used for the acquisition of land and any improvements thereon and the remainder of the net proceeds shall be used to improve existing parks and develop new facilities, payable from the levy of a direct annual ad valorem tax upon all taxable property within the unincorporated portion of DeKalb County.

A “Yes” vote on the DeKalb parks bond will:

• Make parks safer for children
• Buy land for new parks and renovate existing facilities in areas throughout DeKalb county
• Protect land along streams and rivers to protect water quality
• Protect wildlife habitat
• Preserve trees
• Create bike paths and walking trails

For additional information, please contact:

www.GreenDeKalb.com

or

William Perry
League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
659 Auburn Ave.
Suite 223
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-659-3020
William_perry@lcvef.org