Same-Sex Marriage Campaign Visits DeKalb Courthouse

Nobody was surprised when probate court clerks turned down five couples who tried to obtain marriage licenses on Monday afternoon. The We Do Campaign of the Campaign for Southern Equality organized the effort.

Five same-sex couples tried to obtain marriage licenses at the DeKalb County Courthouse on Monday in a campaign designed to draw attention to Georgia's laws prohibiting marriage between people of the same gender. One after the other, five couples stepped up to the counter of the DeKalb Probate Court office and said they wanted marriage licenses. Mary Jones, an employee, told Rob Anglin and Jens Palsgaard of Lithia Springs that Georgia law does not allow people of the same gender to marry. Anglin and Palsgaard said they really loved each other and wanted to make it legal. "I understand that, sir, but it's the law," Jones said. Anglin said that Rosa Parks helped usher in a major change by refusing to give up her bus seat during the …

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A Decatur Mom

1:18 pm on Sunday, April 7, 2013

Good idea! Make something positive come out of someone else's hate!   more ›

DeKalb's Olympic Heroes Honored

A big celebration was held on the Decatur Square for DeeDee Trotter and Angelo Taylor.

DeKalb County threw a party Thursday for two homegrown Olympic track and field stars. DeeDee Trotter, who won gold and bronze track and field medals in the 4x400 meters and 400 meters respectively, was ushered onto the Decatur Marta Plaza by the marching band from her high school, Cedar Grove. The Southwest DeKalb High marching band led graduate Angelo Taylor onto the plaza. He won a silver medal in the 4x400 meters in London.

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Decatur Mayor: 1,500 Properties To Be Reassessed

He advises waiting until July 2 to file an appeal with DeKalb County.

  Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd and City Manager Peggy Merriss sent this message to Decatur Patch and other media outlets about DeKalb County property tax assessments. Many residents have complained because their estimated home value for tax purposes went up sharply. The summary of the mayor's letter: The county is going to adjust the value of about 1,500 properties in Decatur. Problems occurred because the county used two different software programs. Residents are advised to wait until July 2 to file an appeal because they may receive a revised notice. Here's what the mayor said. The city manager and I met with several people from the tax appraiser’s office on June 5, 2012. The following information was given to us at that time. 1. There are …

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A Decatur Mom

2:34 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012

I don't think my comment was clear enough. "Their Recommendation" was the Mayor referring to the County's recommendations that, I believe, the Mayor was transmitting to his constituents, not necessarily making himself. In fact, the Mayor has no power in this matter, just a role as facilitator. I appreciate his facilitation because I believe we would have heard even less by now from the Country …   more ›

Rader: So Your Tax Appraisal Came in High?

District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader to his constituents about this year's property tax assessments.

By Jeff Rader DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner Annual Notices of Assessment hit homeowner's mailboxes last week, and many constituents have called expressing concern about substantial increases in their tax appraisal this year. The appraisal determines the value of property against which taxes are assessed, and are a key factor in your tax bill. I was surprised to hear this, as the DeKalb County real property tax digest overall is down by 7.8 percent overall this year. Our office is seeking more information from the assessor's office and will be responding to individual inquiries. We will also report back to the public on any patterns of reappraisal or systemic deficiencies we discover. Until we are able to get to the bottom of this, …

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Did Your Property Tax Assessment Go Up?

DeKalb County residents are complaining about how their home value is calculated.

Last night I opened the DeKalb County property tax assessment I received in the mail. I looked at the numbers and said, "Wow." The assessed value of our condo in Decatur went up 6.4 percent. Last year it dropped. I found out that wasn't so bad compared to other DeKalb property owners. One woman I know said the assessed value on her home went up a whopping 73 percent. She doesn't want to pay more property taxes. She's learning how to appeal. Meanwhile, people in some neighborhoods are reporting most of their assessments dropped. What's going on? Were you surprised by your tax assessment? Will you file a formal appeal?

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Rae Harkness

11:31 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Just remember, Claudia Lawson does not set Property Assessments, her duty is to collect the tax money set by the Tax Assessors. Don't shoot the messenger!   more ›

Two DeKalb County Public Works Officials Indicted

Extortion and bribery charges filed.

'Jobs Bus' Visiting Decatur Tuesday

DeKalb County's Mobile Career Center will be at DFCS on Sams Street.

Decatur and Avondale Estates residents looking for work can check out DeKalb County's Mobile Career Center or “jobs bus” on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The bus comes to the Department of Family and Children Services at 178 Sams St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bus comes back to the DFCS office on Feb. 22 and 28 with the same hours. Major features of the resource center include 13 computer stations; a private interview area; high-speed satellite Internet connection; printer, scanner and copy services; and a fully accessible ADA workstation with movable table and auxiliary.  Businesses will be able to use the mobile unit for recruiting, pre-employment screenings, interviewing, and training. The mobile unit will also provide residents with essential …

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