Austell residents rebel against proposed property tax increase

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 9th 

Publish Date:  July 9th 

   

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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Wednesday, July 9th and Happy Birthday to Tom Hanks  

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. Austell residents rebel against proposed property tax increase
2. Advanced voting for Public Service Democratic runoff begins
3. Popular eatery Tin Drum expands to Kennesaw

 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  

 

BREAK: INGLES 1 

STORY 1:   Austell residents rebel against proposed property tax increase 

Austell residents packed the Threadmill Complex to protest a proposed 158% property tax hike, which would raise the city’s millage rate from 3.25 to 8.25 mills, generating $3.85M in revenue. City officials, including Mayor Ollie Clemons, defended the increase, citing inflation and a $1.6M budget shortfall. Finance Director Rachel Yarbrough explained the city’s reliance on gas revenue and the need for higher property taxes. Residents voiced concerns about affordability, lack of a city manager, and the sharp increase’s impact, especially on seniors. Clemons assured measures to ease the burden for older residents but emphasized the necessity of the hike to sustain city services. Two more public hearings are scheduled, with the final one on July 14. 

 

STORY 2: Advanced voting for Public Service Democratic runoff begins 

Advanced voting for the Democratic special primary runoff for the District 3 Public Service Commission seat began Monday and runs through July 11, with polling stations open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Keisha Sean Waites, a former Atlanta City Councilwoman, faces clean-energy advocate Peter Hubbard, with the winner advancing to challenge Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in November. Waites led the initial primary with 47.2% of the vote but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff. Eligible voters include those who voted Democratic or did not vote in the June 17 primary. Election Day is July 15, and voters must bring valid photo ID and vote at their assigned location. 

 

STORY 3: Popular eatery Tin Drum expands to Kennesaw 

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen has opened a new location in Kennesaw at 1155 Barrett Parkway, offering a variety of Asian dishes from China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Popular menu items include the Singapore curry chow mein and sesame chicken rice bowl, alongside an expansive boba tea bar featuring favorites like brown sugar pearl milk tea. Founded in 2003 by Steven Chan, the restaurant aims to inspire and delight customers with its inclusive mission. Franchise managers Taran and Ramneek Singh, longtime fans, are excited to bring Tin Drum to Kennesaw. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. 

 

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We’ll be right back.