Dekalb Commissioners Propose Alternate Budget Plan

By Michelle Wirth

Atlanta, GA – Dekalb commissioners have recommended a new budget without the property tax increase that Dekalb CEO Burrrell Ellis called for earlier this year. The proposal is more than $33 million dollars leaner than Ellis' plan and includes cuts to every county department.

A county budget committee passed the proposal Thursday. It includes an almost a 9% spending reduction for most county departments. Commissioners also called for a close to 4.5% reduction for public safety. Commissioner Elaine Boyer says commissioners on committee rejected the CEO's plan because a millage rate increase is unreasonable in the current economy.

"The people who would suffer with a tax increase are going to be the most vulnerable. That's why we're saying no, you can't do that right now."

But Dekalb CEO Burrell Ellis says the $563 million dollar budget that he presented the commission with was already lean. He says if their plan is approved, it could mean the elimination of up to 800 county jobs and a reduction in county services.

"There will likely be furlough days. There will be some reduction in service hours. It may mean longer response times when you call the police. It's going to be severe these are very painful cuts."

Ellis says he recommended increase the county's millage rate earlier this year because he believes it's necessary to help offset a decrease in property tax revenue. The plan also calls for the elimination of Public Safety Director William Miller's job. Ellis defended Miller and says the proposal was politically motivated. Commissioners are expected to vote on the plan next Tuesday.