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Box 8, Folder 22, Document 23
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Sandy Springs Referendum
May 11, 1966
Prepared for
Sandy Springs/ Atlanta
Team for Tomorrow
The facts and figures in this booklet have been thoroughly checked and approved by the City of Atlanta.
PREFACE
Atlanta's reputation as a major business, cultural, social, and
industrial center didn't develop by accident. It is a product
of thoughtful planning by imaginative people who pooled ideas,
efforts and resources. Part of the secret of our area's new
and exciting promise is simple recognition of the fact that
people working together toward a goal are more effective than
people working in fragmented divisions.
In the referendum of May 11, the people of Sandy Springs will
be offered an opportunity to join in the adventure of helping
build a unique and remarkable city.
For Sandy Springs residents, the question at issue is not merely
"How would coming into the city affect taxes, or schools, or
representation in local government?" Though, of course, all
these are important. The larger question is "How can Sandy
Springs take full advantage of, and get its share of the rewards
of the tremendous economic, cultural, and industrial boom now
gripping Atlanta?"
And the answer is ... by becoming an integral part of the city.
By participating in its leadership. By seeing the vision of a
great, and continually greater Atlanta. By joining in the grand
enterprise of full participation in the invigorating present
and the stimulating future of one great city.
Atlanta is an attitude ... not an area.
The following letter text attests to the accuracy of the material in
this booklet:
March 16, 1966
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Gentlemen:
We have carefully studied the report of the Committee on
Annexation of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce as revised March 14
1966 entitled "Questions and Answers on Proposed Sandy Springs
Annexation" and find no inaccurate statements of fact therein.
3
In accordance with our previous statement of policy this
letter is not to be construed as an endorsement of annexation. We
have agreed to cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce in editing
this report solely for purpose of guaranteeing the citizens of Sandy
Springs the opportunity to make their decision on the question of
annexation based on an accurate and unbiased knowledge of the facts.
Sincerely,
George H. Ivey, Jr., President
Greater Sandy Springs Association
CONTENTS
Ad Valorem Taxes ....e« «we « o
A Comparison of Taxes .....e-.
Representation in Local Government
Growth and Zoning . . +. + «© «+» «+s
Fire Protection and Fire Insurance
Police Protection « ss # # « @ «
Sanitation Service ...«. -»
Water Service ...6 6 se wid ee te
Schools oak ls. Kd Hew Cah
SeWETS 46 ase) ree rw jad Nel ce Le Be) oo Oe
Street Lights and Traffic Signals .
Streets and Sidewalks . ..-+ + « =
Map e ° . . . 2 . ° e . . a ® ° . .
Page
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
IBC
The following questions and answers cover the main issues involved in
the May 11 referendum. For answers to more specific and individual
questions, contact Sandy Springs/Atlanta Team for Tomorrow, 6125
Roswell Road, N.E., Sandy Springs Shopping Center, Telephone 252-2324,
252-2325, or 252-2326,
AD VALOREM TAXES
Q. - What would happen to my tax bill? How much more would it cost me
to receive the improved services inside the city?
A. - The ad valorem taxes on your home would be higher inside the city,
but the increase in taxes would be largely offset by reductions in
, other charges. In almost every case, the net result would be only
a moderate increase in the total.
As an example, consider the effect on one of the homes taken from
a random survey of Sandy Springs residences. The example is a
single-family frame dwelling on Dalrymple Road. Its value, for
tax purposes, is $38,400. The 1965 Fulton County real estate tax
bill (exclusive of personal property) on this property was $452.66,
If the home had been inside the city, the county and city tax com—
bined would have been $586.42, an increase of $133.76.
This increase in ad valorem taxes would have been largely offset
by lower charges in three areas: Water, sanitation service and
fire insurance. The actual water bill for this residence last
year was $94,62, which is very close to the average bill shown in
a survey of some 55 homes. Inside the city, the water bill would
have been $47.70, a decrease of $46.92. The sanitation service
charge would have been $22.00 instead of $35.00, for another saving
of $13.00.
It is more difficult to arrive at the precise saving possible in
lower insurance rates for this homeowner, because of the several
different types of insurance he might choose. But a good estimate
can be obtained by comparing the rates for straight fire insurance
on his dwelling. Since the value of his lot makes up part of the
total value of his property, assume that his dwelling is valued at
$32,000 of the $38,400 total. Straight fire insurance on this
amount would be $95.40 in the Sandy Springs Fire District, which
has a Class 6 rating. Inside Atlanta, which has a Class 3 rating,
the same insurance would cost $55.20, a difference of $40.20. (If
the home were a few blocks beyond Dalrymple Road, outside the fire
district, the same policy would cost $296.60.)
Thus, in the example, an ad valorem tax increase of $133.76 would
be offset by savings of $46.92 (water), $13.00 (sanitation) and
$40.20 (fire insurance), a total of $100.12. The net difference
would be only $33.64 if the home were inside the city.
Another "intangible" saving will work to the benefit of homeowners
when they file federal and state income taxes. Both federal and
state income tax procedures allow local tax payments to be claimed
as a "deduction." Payments for such items as water and insurance
are not "deductible."" This means that the homeowner inside the
city - whose property taxes are higher and other charges lower -
can deduct a greater portion of his total payments for income tax
purposes.
The net effect on his income tax bill would vary, of course, de-
pending on the income bracket and other factors. But a conservative
estimate is that the typical homeowner could reduce his combined
federal and state income taxes by about 20 per cent of the addition-
al amount deductible for ad valorem taxes. In other words, the
taxpayer in the example shown above could deduct $133.76 more if
he were inside the city, and the estimated saving on his income
taxes would be $26.75.
Considering all aspects of his taxes and charges, the homeowner
cited in the example would actually pay about $7.00 more per year
for the advantages of being inside the city.
a
A COMPARISON OF TAXES AND CHARGES
FOR SEVERAL TYPICAL HOMEOWNERS
(Sandy Springs - City of Atlanta)
In the following examples - all of which are actual residences in a random survey of Sandy Springs homes -
the ad valorem taxes, water bill and sanitation charges paid in 1965 are compared with what the same items
would have been if the homes had been inside the corporate limits of the City of Atlanta. The "net change"
shown does not reflect the saving in fire insurance, which would range from a few dollars to a substantial
amount, depending on type of dwelling, location of the residence, type of insurance carried, etc. The
change also does not include the savings on Federal Income Tax deductions. See page 1, last paragraph.
Value of Real Estate Personal
Home Assessment Tax Property Tax Water Bill Sanitation. Net Change
Example #1 $23,680 Co. $ 5,920 $ 241.06 § 71.31 $ 79.29 $ 28.00
City 8,280 338.82 65.59 39.93 22,00
+ 97.76 —- 5.72 - 39,36 - 6.00 + 46,68
Example #2 20,720 Co. 5,180 198.51 35.08 53.01 28.00
City 7,250 289.21 33.25 26.61 22.00
+ 90.70 - 1.83 - 26.40 - 6.00 + 56.47
Example #3 33,880 Co. 8,470 387.69 166.76 129,66 28.00
City 11,850 510.44 158.06 65.46 22.00
+122.75 - 8.70 - 64.20 - 6.00 + 43.85
Example #4 16,360 Co. 4,090 135.84 30.49 93.16 28.00
City 5,720 215.73 28.90 46.96 22.00
+ 79.89 —- 1,59 - 46.20 - 6.00 + 26.10
Example #5 11,960 Co. 2,990 72.59 31.05 38.41 28.00
City 4,180 141.70 29.43 19,21 22.00
+ 69.11 - 1.62 - 19,20 - 6.00 + 42.29
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
29,440
12,960
28,160
33,920
23,800
21, 360
43,000
Co. 7,360
City 10,300
Co. 3,240
City 4,540
Co, 7,040
City 9,860
Co. 8,480
City 11,870
Co. 5,950
City 8,320
Co. 5,340
City 7,480
Co. 10,750
City 15,040
323.86 175.96 78.56 35.00
435.86 166.78 39.56 22.00
4112.00 => *9tLs - 39,00 - 13.00
86.96 68.44 82.94 28.00
158.84 64.87 41.78 22.00
+ 71.88 —- 3,57 - 41.16 - 6.00
305.46 79.36 93.16 35.00
414.58 75.22 46.96 22.00
4109.12 a dpa kh - 46.20 - 13.00
388.26 70.15 85.86 35.00
511.30 66.49 43.26 22.00
+123.04 - 3.66 — 42.60 - 13.00
242.79 87.99 65.42 28.00
340.78 83.40 32.90 22.00
+ 97.99 - 4,59 — 32.52 - 6.00
207.71 85.11 112.14 28.00
300.17 80.67 56.58 22.00
+ 92.46 - 4,44 - 55.56 - 6.00
518.79 87.99 69.07 28.00
663.82 83.40 34.75 22.00
4145.03 - 4,59 — 34.32 - 6.00
50.82
21.15
45.78
63.78
54,88
26.46
100.12
REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Q. - What representation would I have in local government? Other than
being able to vote in elections involving city offices and city
issues, how would my voice in local matters be increased?
You would have more representation in your local government, and
you would have a greater voice in matters affecting your community
because you would be closer to your representatives.
The legislative act which provides for the referendum in Sandy
Springs spells out specifically that the area would join the city
as the new Ninth Ward. The new ward would be represented by two
members of the Board of Aldermen and one member of the Board of
Education, all elected. The act further provides that only the
voters in the new ward could vote in the first election for these
three offices. The first election of Ninth Ward officials would
be held in conjunction with the general election in November, and
the officials would take office the first of 1967.
The Sandy Springs area presently is governed by, and participates
in the election of, a three-man county commission, County commis-
sioners must be responsive to the citizens of all areas of the
county, and rightly so, since they represent all the county. The
five members of the Fulton County Board of Education, each repre-
senting a school district, are appointed by the Grand Jury for
five-year terms. The county school superintendent is elected by
county-wide vote. :
By having two aldermen, both residing in their ward, Sandy Springs
citizens would have a stronger voice in matters of local government
and, in effect, would be closer to their elected representatives,
In future elections they would vote in the election of Atlanta's
mayor, the president of the Board of Aldermen, all members of the
Board of Aldermen and Board of Education, and two members of the
City Executive Committee from their own ward. The Sandy Springs
ward also would be represented on other boards, such as the Atlanta
Public Library Board of Trustees. Additionally, the area's repre-
sentation would be enhanced by the appointment of its aldermen to
various aldermanic committees which would deal with matters per-
taining specifically to the Sandy Springs area as well as those
affecting the city as a whole.
It should be kept in mind that the Sandy Springs area, with a
population of only about 20,000, has far fewer citizens than any
one of the city's other eight wards. The present eight wards are
made up of more than 500,000 citizens, for an average of almost
65,000 per ward. Therefore, representation of the Ninth Ward from
the beginning would be proportionately much greater than the cur—
rent ratio in the other wards. It is logical to expect, then, that
some form of ward realignment is a possibility in the future. No
such plan is presently pending, however, and the new ward would
seem assured of its proposed representation for several years,
Future elections of Ninth Ward aldermen and school board members,
beginning with the next city election in 1969, would be by city-
wide vote, as is the present procedure for the eight wards. But
candidates would still be required to reside in the wards they
represent.
GROWIH AND ZONING
Q. - What would happen in the field of zoning and future development of
the Sandy Springs area?
A.
- il.
You could expect the Sandy Springs area to continue to develop
as primarily a low density single-family community. Future
apartment and commercial development could be expected to take
place along portions of the major thoroughfares with emphasis
on strong neighborhood commercial centers at appropriate
intervals as opposed to continuous strip commercial development.
Property would be reclassified into the City of Atlanta zoning
district which most closely resembles the classification which
it is presently zoned under in the Fulton County Zoning
Ordinance.
Zoning designations as established and use permits as approved
by Fulton County prior to January 1, 1967 will be honored by
the City of Atlanta, and will remain in effect.
Public hearings for consideration of proposed zoning changes
in the Sandy Springs area would be held only four times a
year, following the area system as is now presently being used
in Atlanta. These hearings are held only by the Zoning Com-
mittee after receiving recommendations by the staff of the
Planning Department and the Atlanta-Fulton County Joint Plan-
ning Board. The decision of the Zoning Committee receives
final action by the full Board of Aldermen and Mayor.
The Atlanta Zoning Ordinance contains district classifications
which closely relate to those in the Fulton County Ordinance,
although similar classifications in Atlanta generally contain
more restrictive requirements. In addition to these similar
districts the Atlanta Ordinance contains several new classifi-
cations which permit only a highly selective number of uses
with regulations which permit and encourage high development
standards. These classifications provide for a reasonable
use of certain properties while permitting only the best
development for the community.
A brief description of these new districts follows:
The "R-9 Single-Family Dwelling Group District"
provides for the construction of townhouse units
for individual unit sale under condominium owner-
ship. Units may not be rented under this district.
The district provides for a maximum of twelve
dwelling units per acre and a maximum ground
coverage of thirty-five percent including buildings,
parking and drives. Several fine townhouse develop-
ments are presently under construction in Atlanta
under the provisions of this district.
The "A-L Apartment-Limited Dwelling District"
provides for low-density, high-standard apartment
developments generally compatible with substantial
single-family residential areas. The district
permits garden apartments (two story units) at a
maximum of twelve dwelling units per acre and
permits only thirty-five percent ground coverage
including buildings, parking and drives.
The "C-L Commercial Limited District" permits
primarily office and institutional uses and a few
selected retail studios and shops. Signs must be
attached to the wall of the building and be only
twenty square feet in size. This district provides
often for a reasonable use of portions of the major
thoroughfare while discouraging all the inherent
ill effects of continuous strip commercial retail
zoning. It has been found to be generally com-
patible with certain residential uses as well.
Work would begin immediately to include the Sandy Springs area
into the comprehensive planning process now underway in the
City of Atlanta. This comprehensive planning process is made
up of four elements as follows:
1. Projected future land use needs and their
location as a guide to future rezoning
evaluations.
2. Designation of Major Thoroughfares and
their future effect on the adjacent use
of land.
3. Plans for needed community facilities such
as parks, schools and libraries along with
general locations.
4, The programming of improvements and source
of funds necessary to implement these
future plans.
Q.
A.
FIRE PROTECTION AND FIRE INSURANCE
How would my fire protection be affected? What would this mean in
regard to what I pay for my fire insurance?
Your fire insurance rates would be reduced -- substantially, in
many cases. But, more important, better fire protection would be
afforded to your home or business.
Fire protection and fire insurance rates go hand in hand. The
better the protection available to you, the less you must pay for
fire insurance. Ratings are assigned to particular areas on the
basis of fire protection facilities and other factors. Fire insur-—
ance rates, in turn, are determined by a formula based on the
rating.
The City of Atlanta has a Class 3 rating, which compares very
favorably with other cities of similar size across the nation.
Atlanta has kept well within the requirements of its Class 3 rating
by building, equipping and maintaining fire stations at key points
throughout the city, and by assuring an ample water supply in every
area. Fire protection, in short, is excellent and fire insurance
rates are as low as rates in all but a few major cities,
Sandy Springs, on the other hand, has two different ratings: Class
6 for the Sandy Springs Fire District (which comprises roughly the
area south of Dalrymple Road) and Class 10 for the area outside the
fire district. Fire insurance rates for Class 6 are significantly
higher than Class 3, and the rates for Class 10 are enormously
higher -- particularly in the case of a frame dwelling, for which
the rates are as much as five and a half times greater than Class 3,
Protection for the Sandy Springs Fire District is furnished by one
fire station in the area, manned by one company, and by another
company of firemen operating from a City of Atlanta fire station on
Northside Drive. (The additional company working from the Atlanta
station is supported by the Sandy Springs Fire District, When this
protection was added, the district's rating improved from Class 7
to Class 6.) Emergency "back-up" assistance is available from the
Northside Drive station and another station in Buckhead. The pro-
tection is furnished by the City of Atlanta under a contract
arrangement, and residents of the district pay a 4.5-mill tax for
the service.
Atlanta's Class 3 rating depends on a high degree of protection
throughout the city. Thus, if Sandy Springs joined the eity, it
would become the city's responsibility to all its citizens to bring
the new area up to Class 3 standards as quickly as possible. The
city could not risk the loss of its Class 3 rating, and it would
not allow any area to go without adequate protection,
Once Sandy Springs voiced its desire to become a part of Atlanta,
the city would immediately request the Southeastern Underwriters
to undertake a survey of the new area to determine what needs must
be met to satisfy Class 3 requirements. The recommendations from
the survey would have to be met for Atlanta to maintain its rating.
Although the recommendations from the survey would be the final
guide, the city has made a preliminary study of the area. It is
anticipated that three new fire stations would be required. One
of these would replace the existing station, which is considered
substandard and poorly located to cover such a large area. The
anticipated equipment needs include replacement of two existing
engines and acquiring one new engine and a ladder truck. (Present
equipment would be ineffective in fighting a fire in a building
taller than two stories.) Personnel needs have been estimated at
35 additional men, seven of whom would form a battalion chief's
unit.
Atlanta's present situation -- facilities, equipment and manpower
which comfortably meet minimum standards -- would give the city a
head start toward bringing the new area up to Class 3 standards in
a minimum time. By submitting a reasonable, workable timetable
for meeting standards within an agreed period, the city could help
effect a lowering of insurance rates within a year.
An example of the city's efforts in this respect can be taken from
the 1952 Plan of Improvement, by which a large new area entered
the city. Some areas were brought up to Class 3 within a few
months and the entire area within 18 months.
- 10 -
POLICE PROTECTION
Q. - What changes would occur in police protection? Would the city
A.
build a new precinct station in Sandy Springs?
Police protection would be greatly expanded and improved -- and
the basic concept would change from the type of service provided
in rural areas to the "full-service" protection afforded in a
heavily populated urban area. No additional stations are con-
templated in any area of the city, at present.
Sandy Springs presently receives its police service from the City
of Atlanta under a contract arrangement with Fulton County. The
service includes four patrol cars in the area around the clock,
but the service is limited by the number of officers assigned.
The only laws enforceable are state laws, which are designed, for
the most part, for rural areas. Anyone arrested as a violator of
a state law must be turned over to the Fulton County sheriff for
trial in a state court.
If the area chooses to join the city, it would be necessary to
increase immediately the radio patrol service now provided; foot
patrolmen would be added for duty in the business district, and a
number of motorcycle patrolmen would be put on traffic and patrol
duty. (The number of additional men required is under study by
the Atlanta Police Department.) In addition, the citizens of the
Sandy Springs area would receive the benefit of all the services
and facilities of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Squad and the
special squads in the Detective Department, which are not now
available to the area. Policemen would enforce city ordinances,
as well as state laws, the same as they are enforced in the rest
of Atlanta at present.
The City of Atlanta presently has approximately 1.5 policemen for
every 1,000 population. The city is striving not only to maintain
that ratio but to improve it for the increased protection of all
its citizens,
As for the addition of a precinct station, the trend is away from
the precinct concept in these days of two-way radio communications
and other modern facilities. A radio patrol car, manned by two
officers or even just one, is literally a "traveling precinct
station." With radio communications, the patrolman can call for
assistance and have other officers at his side within moments.
There are no plans for any precinct stations, and the emphasis
will continue to be on mobility and close communications by radio.
= Ti =
SANITATION SERVICE
Q. -— How would my garbage pickup and other sanitation services be af-
fected if Sandy Springs joins the city? As a homeowner, would I
have to pay more for this service?
Your sanitation services would be expanded and improved and it
would cost you less.
As a resident of Atlanta, you would begin receiving several services
which are not now available to you -- rubbish pickup, street clean-
ing, dead animal removal, sanitary inspection, and "guttering",
which means periodic removal of grass and other obstructions from
street gutters. It is the city's responsibility to bring all these
services to its citizens, as well as providing two garbage collec-
tions each week. Instead of paying more for these additional
services, your sanitation charge would be reduced to a maximum of
$22.00 a year. This is based on a base charge of $6.00 plus $4.00
for each 25 feet of lot frontage or fraction thereof, but not to
exceed the $22.00 a year maximum for residences.
This would mean a savings of either $6.00 or $13.00 a year for you,
depending on where you live. Two different types of garbage collec-
tion service are now provided to the people of Sandy Springs under
an arrangement between the City of Atlanta and Fulton County. "In-
district" service is provided to those within the sanitary district,
which includes all of Sandy Springs south of a line extending 300
feet beyond Abernathy Road. Residents within the district receive
two garbage collections per week, for which the homeowners pay $28.00
per year per premises. The rest of the Sandy Springs area receives
"out-of-district" service, which includes two garbage collections
per week on an optional basis. Those homeowners who desire the
service pay $35.00 per year for it, and no charge is made of those
who do not want the service.
Business establishments throughout the Sandy Springs area now pay
for garbage collection on the basis of the actual cost of rendering
the service. Most businesses would realize a substantial saving by
being a part of the city -- and would receive improved service as
well.
A survey of city sanitary services is being conducted presently by
the Public Administration Service.
These findings, which will be available soon, will result in im-
proved services. Any change in rate schedules will apply both to
city residents and to county residents now receiving city services
under contract with the county government,
oe P=
WATER SERVICE
Q. -— What difference, if any, would there be in the way water is sup-
A.
plied to my home or business? Would my water bill be affected?
The only difference would be on your water bill, which would be
cut in half.
Virtually all the existing homes and businesses in the Sandy
Springs area already receive their water from the City of Atlanta
Water Department under an arrangement between the city and Fulton
County. Users outside the city, however, are billed for water at
a double rate. The minimum monthly water bill for City of Atlanta
users is $1.57; for those outside the city, the minimum is $3.14,
Thus, the annual savings for water users inside the city is at
least $18.84,
In reality, savings run much higher than the minimum, however.
Atlanta people are accustomed to having a plentiful supply of good
water at low rates, and they use it in quantity. Experience has
shown that very few homes, inside or outside the city, use little
enough water to be billed for the minimum. An actual survey of
55 homes in the Sandy Springs area chosen at random, showed that
the average water charge paid during 1965 was $90.10. Only five
of these homes were within a dollar of the minimum bill, and three
of the larger users paid $203.39, $240.62 and $366.39.
If these same homes had been inside the city, their water bills for
1965 would have averaged $45.57. The average savings would have
been $44.53 per home.
A similar survey of businesses, also chosen at random to include
small operations as well as large, revealed an average water bill
of $130.26 per year. The average savings inside the city would
have been $62.83.
ee oe
SCHOOLS
Q. —- What changes would occur in the schools my children attend? What would
be done about school bus transportation, since the Atlanta system does
not have free transportation?
Several major differences would occur in the way of advantages: The
addition of kindergartens in the schools of the Sandy Springs area; a
greater emphasis at the high school level on vocational programs, in
addition to the college preparatory and general programs; and the
benefit of more specialized programs and more technical specialists.
School bus transportation, admittedly, is a problem which would have
to be dealt with - and right away.
In general, the curricula of the Atlanta system and the Fulton County
system are similar, as are the personnel policies, overall operational
procedures and financial structures.
Addition of kindergartens to the Sandy Springs schools would:be an
expensive undertaking for the city, particularly where existing facil-
ities are operating almost at capacity. In those elementary schools
where space is immediately available, kindergartens would be started
in January, 1967, and teachers provided. In elementary schools where
classroom space is not readily available, air-conditioned supplemental
classrooms would be ready for use, with necessary teachers, by the
opening of school in September, 1967. Primary studies show that 10
additional teachers and some $243,000 to $293,000 in additional funds
would be required to provide programs for the estimated 450 kinder-
garten pupils in the area.
The salary schedules for teachers are somewhat higher in the Atlanta
system, which also would mean additional expenditures. In general,
Atlanta teachers make 8.9 percent more than Fulton County teachers.
In becoming a part of the Atlanta School System, teachers in the Sandy
Springs schools would transfer directly to the city's pension plan
without loss of any money or benefits. Atlanta and Fulton school
officials both say that pension benefits of both systems are prac-
tically the same.
The Fulton County system provides free bus transportation for pupils
who live further than 1-1/2 miles from school, and this expense is
covered by local and state funds. On the other hand, the Atlanta
Transit System provides bus transportation for Atlanta system pupils
on routes determined by pupil need and with pupils paying as they
ride. Robert Sommerville, president of the Atlanta Transit System,
has given assurance that school bus routes will be provided for pupils
in the Sandy Springs area.
Additional construction needs are evident in the Sandy Springs area.
Enrollment has increased some 56 percent since 1960, and it continues
to increase. Estimates are that the enrollment in kindergartens
through the twelfth grade will exceed 10,000 pupils by 1970.
What would happen to school pupils living in the area south of Roswell
and north of the Sandy Springs area, not affected by the referendum?
Both city and county school officials have given assurance that these
pupils would be allowed to remain in their present schools if they
choose.
= Was
Sandy Springs Referendum
May 11, 1966
Prepared for
Sandy Springs/ Atlanta
Team for Tomorrow
The facts and figures in this booklet have been thoroughly checked and approved by the City of Atlanta.
PREFACE
Atlanta's reputation as a major business, cultural, social, and
industrial center didn't develop by accident. It is a product
of thoughtful planning by imaginative people who pooled ideas,
efforts and resources. Part of the secret of our area's new
and exciting promise is simple recognition of the fact that
people working together toward a goal are more effective than
people working in fragmented divisions.
In the referendum of May 11, the people of Sandy Springs will
be offered an opportunity to join in the adventure of helping
build a unique and remarkable city.
For Sandy Springs residents, the question at issue is not merely
"How would coming into the city affect taxes, or schools, or
representation in local government?" Though, of course, all
these are important. The larger question is "How can Sandy
Springs take full advantage of, and get its share of the rewards
of the tremendous economic, cultural, and industrial boom now
gripping Atlanta?"
And the answer is ... by becoming an integral part of the city.
By participating in its leadership. By seeing the vision of a
great, and continually greater Atlanta. By joining in the grand
enterprise of full participation in the invigorating present
and the stimulating future of one great city.
Atlanta is an attitude ... not an area.
The following letter text attests to the accuracy of the material in
this booklet:
March 16, 1966
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Gentlemen:
We have carefully studied the report of the Committee on
Annexation of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce as revised March 14
1966 entitled "Questions and Answers on Proposed Sandy Springs
Annexation" and find no inaccurate statements of fact therein.
3
In accordance with our previous statement of policy this
letter is not to be construed as an endorsement of annexation. We
have agreed to cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce in editing
this report solely for purpose of guaranteeing the citizens of Sandy
Springs the opportunity to make their decision on the question of
annexation based on an accurate and unbiased knowledge of the facts.
Sincerely,
George H. Ivey, Jr., President
Greater Sandy Springs Association
CONTENTS
Ad Valorem Taxes ....e« «we « o
A Comparison of Taxes .....e-.
Representation in Local Government
Growth and Zoning . . +. + «© «+» «+s
Fire Protection and Fire Insurance
Police Protection « ss # # « @ «
Sanitation Service ...«. -»
Water Service ...6 6 se wid ee te
Schools oak ls. Kd Hew Cah
SeWETS 46 ase) ree rw jad Nel ce Le Be) oo Oe
Street Lights and Traffic Signals .
Streets and Sidewalks . ..-+ + « =
Map e ° . . . 2 . ° e . . a ® ° . .
Page
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
IBC
The following questions and answers cover the main issues involved in
the May 11 referendum. For answers to more specific and individual
questions, contact Sandy Springs/Atlanta Team for Tomorrow, 6125
Roswell Road, N.E., Sandy Springs Shopping Center, Telephone 252-2324,
252-2325, or 252-2326,
AD VALOREM TAXES
Q. - What would happen to my tax bill? How much more would it cost me
to receive the improved services inside the city?
A. - The ad valorem taxes on your home would be higher inside the city,
but the increase in taxes would be largely offset by reductions in
, other charges. In almost every case, the net result would be only
a moderate increase in the total.
As an example, consider the effect on one of the homes taken from
a random survey of Sandy Springs residences. The example is a
single-family frame dwelling on Dalrymple Road. Its value, for
tax purposes, is $38,400. The 1965 Fulton County real estate tax
bill (exclusive of personal property) on this property was $452.66,
If the home had been inside the city, the county and city tax com—
bined would have been $586.42, an increase of $133.76.
This increase in ad valorem taxes would have been largely offset
by lower charges in three areas: Water, sanitation service and
fire insurance. The actual water bill for this residence last
year was $94,62, which is very close to the average bill shown in
a survey of some 55 homes. Inside the city, the water bill would
have been $47.70, a decrease of $46.92. The sanitation service
charge would have been $22.00 instead of $35.00, for another saving
of $13.00.
It is more difficult to arrive at the precise saving possible in
lower insurance rates for this homeowner, because of the several
different types of insurance he might choose. But a good estimate
can be obtained by comparing the rates for straight fire insurance
on his dwelling. Since the value of his lot makes up part of the
total value of his property, assume that his dwelling is valued at
$32,000 of the $38,400 total. Straight fire insurance on this
amount would be $95.40 in the Sandy Springs Fire District, which
has a Class 6 rating. Inside Atlanta, which has a Class 3 rating,
the same insurance would cost $55.20, a difference of $40.20. (If
the home were a few blocks beyond Dalrymple Road, outside the fire
district, the same policy would cost $296.60.)
Thus, in the example, an ad valorem tax increase of $133.76 would
be offset by savings of $46.92 (water), $13.00 (sanitation) and
$40.20 (fire insurance), a total of $100.12. The net difference
would be only $33.64 if the home were inside the city.
Another "intangible" saving will work to the benefit of homeowners
when they file federal and state income taxes. Both federal and
state income tax procedures allow local tax payments to be claimed
as a "deduction." Payments for such items as water and insurance
are not "deductible."" This means that the homeowner inside the
city - whose property taxes are higher and other charges lower -
can deduct a greater portion of his total payments for income tax
purposes.
The net effect on his income tax bill would vary, of course, de-
pending on the income bracket and other factors. But a conservative
estimate is that the typical homeowner could reduce his combined
federal and state income taxes by about 20 per cent of the addition-
al amount deductible for ad valorem taxes. In other words, the
taxpayer in the example shown above could deduct $133.76 more if
he were inside the city, and the estimated saving on his income
taxes would be $26.75.
Considering all aspects of his taxes and charges, the homeowner
cited in the example would actually pay about $7.00 more per year
for the advantages of being inside the city.
a
A COMPARISON OF TAXES AND CHARGES
FOR SEVERAL TYPICAL HOMEOWNERS
(Sandy Springs - City of Atlanta)
In the following examples - all of which are actual residences in a random survey of Sandy Springs homes -
the ad valorem taxes, water bill and sanitation charges paid in 1965 are compared with what the same items
would have been if the homes had been inside the corporate limits of the City of Atlanta. The "net change"
shown does not reflect the saving in fire insurance, which would range from a few dollars to a substantial
amount, depending on type of dwelling, location of the residence, type of insurance carried, etc. The
change also does not include the savings on Federal Income Tax deductions. See page 1, last paragraph.
Value of Real Estate Personal
Home Assessment Tax Property Tax Water Bill Sanitation. Net Change
Example #1 $23,680 Co. $ 5,920 $ 241.06 § 71.31 $ 79.29 $ 28.00
City 8,280 338.82 65.59 39.93 22,00
+ 97.76 —- 5.72 - 39,36 - 6.00 + 46,68
Example #2 20,720 Co. 5,180 198.51 35.08 53.01 28.00
City 7,250 289.21 33.25 26.61 22.00
+ 90.70 - 1.83 - 26.40 - 6.00 + 56.47
Example #3 33,880 Co. 8,470 387.69 166.76 129,66 28.00
City 11,850 510.44 158.06 65.46 22.00
+122.75 - 8.70 - 64.20 - 6.00 + 43.85
Example #4 16,360 Co. 4,090 135.84 30.49 93.16 28.00
City 5,720 215.73 28.90 46.96 22.00
+ 79.89 —- 1,59 - 46.20 - 6.00 + 26.10
Example #5 11,960 Co. 2,990 72.59 31.05 38.41 28.00
City 4,180 141.70 29.43 19,21 22.00
+ 69.11 - 1.62 - 19,20 - 6.00 + 42.29
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
29,440
12,960
28,160
33,920
23,800
21, 360
43,000
Co. 7,360
City 10,300
Co. 3,240
City 4,540
Co, 7,040
City 9,860
Co. 8,480
City 11,870
Co. 5,950
City 8,320
Co. 5,340
City 7,480
Co. 10,750
City 15,040
323.86 175.96 78.56 35.00
435.86 166.78 39.56 22.00
4112.00 => *9tLs - 39,00 - 13.00
86.96 68.44 82.94 28.00
158.84 64.87 41.78 22.00
+ 71.88 —- 3,57 - 41.16 - 6.00
305.46 79.36 93.16 35.00
414.58 75.22 46.96 22.00
4109.12 a dpa kh - 46.20 - 13.00
388.26 70.15 85.86 35.00
511.30 66.49 43.26 22.00
+123.04 - 3.66 — 42.60 - 13.00
242.79 87.99 65.42 28.00
340.78 83.40 32.90 22.00
+ 97.99 - 4,59 — 32.52 - 6.00
207.71 85.11 112.14 28.00
300.17 80.67 56.58 22.00
+ 92.46 - 4,44 - 55.56 - 6.00
518.79 87.99 69.07 28.00
663.82 83.40 34.75 22.00
4145.03 - 4,59 — 34.32 - 6.00
50.82
21.15
45.78
63.78
54,88
26.46
100.12
REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Q. - What representation would I have in local government? Other than
being able to vote in elections involving city offices and city
issues, how would my voice in local matters be increased?
You would have more representation in your local government, and
you would have a greater voice in matters affecting your community
because you would be closer to your representatives.
The legislative act which provides for the referendum in Sandy
Springs spells out specifically that the area would join the city
as the new Ninth Ward. The new ward would be represented by two
members of the Board of Aldermen and one member of the Board of
Education, all elected. The act further provides that only the
voters in the new ward could vote in the first election for these
three offices. The first election of Ninth Ward officials would
be held in conjunction with the general election in November, and
the officials would take office the first of 1967.
The Sandy Springs area presently is governed by, and participates
in the election of, a three-man county commission, County commis-
sioners must be responsive to the citizens of all areas of the
county, and rightly so, since they represent all the county. The
five members of the Fulton County Board of Education, each repre-
senting a school district, are appointed by the Grand Jury for
five-year terms. The county school superintendent is elected by
county-wide vote. :
By having two aldermen, both residing in their ward, Sandy Springs
citizens would have a stronger voice in matters of local government
and, in effect, would be closer to their elected representatives,
In future elections they would vote in the election of Atlanta's
mayor, the president of the Board of Aldermen, all members of the
Board of Aldermen and Board of Education, and two members of the
City Executive Committee from their own ward. The Sandy Springs
ward also would be represented on other boards, such as the Atlanta
Public Library Board of Trustees. Additionally, the area's repre-
sentation would be enhanced by the appointment of its aldermen to
various aldermanic committees which would deal with matters per-
taining specifically to the Sandy Springs area as well as those
affecting the city as a whole.
It should be kept in mind that the Sandy Springs area, with a
population of only about 20,000, has far fewer citizens than any
one of the city's other eight wards. The present eight wards are
made up of more than 500,000 citizens, for an average of almost
65,000 per ward. Therefore, representation of the Ninth Ward from
the beginning would be proportionately much greater than the cur—
rent ratio in the other wards. It is logical to expect, then, that
some form of ward realignment is a possibility in the future. No
such plan is presently pending, however, and the new ward would
seem assured of its proposed representation for several years,
Future elections of Ninth Ward aldermen and school board members,
beginning with the next city election in 1969, would be by city-
wide vote, as is the present procedure for the eight wards. But
candidates would still be required to reside in the wards they
represent.
GROWIH AND ZONING
Q. - What would happen in the field of zoning and future development of
the Sandy Springs area?
A.
- il.
You could expect the Sandy Springs area to continue to develop
as primarily a low density single-family community. Future
apartment and commercial development could be expected to take
place along portions of the major thoroughfares with emphasis
on strong neighborhood commercial centers at appropriate
intervals as opposed to continuous strip commercial development.
Property would be reclassified into the City of Atlanta zoning
district which most closely resembles the classification which
it is presently zoned under in the Fulton County Zoning
Ordinance.
Zoning designations as established and use permits as approved
by Fulton County prior to January 1, 1967 will be honored by
the City of Atlanta, and will remain in effect.
Public hearings for consideration of proposed zoning changes
in the Sandy Springs area would be held only four times a
year, following the area system as is now presently being used
in Atlanta. These hearings are held only by the Zoning Com-
mittee after receiving recommendations by the staff of the
Planning Department and the Atlanta-Fulton County Joint Plan-
ning Board. The decision of the Zoning Committee receives
final action by the full Board of Aldermen and Mayor.
The Atlanta Zoning Ordinance contains district classifications
which closely relate to those in the Fulton County Ordinance,
although similar classifications in Atlanta generally contain
more restrictive requirements. In addition to these similar
districts the Atlanta Ordinance contains several new classifi-
cations which permit only a highly selective number of uses
with regulations which permit and encourage high development
standards. These classifications provide for a reasonable
use of certain properties while permitting only the best
development for the community.
A brief description of these new districts follows:
The "R-9 Single-Family Dwelling Group District"
provides for the construction of townhouse units
for individual unit sale under condominium owner-
ship. Units may not be rented under this district.
The district provides for a maximum of twelve
dwelling units per acre and a maximum ground
coverage of thirty-five percent including buildings,
parking and drives. Several fine townhouse develop-
ments are presently under construction in Atlanta
under the provisions of this district.
The "A-L Apartment-Limited Dwelling District"
provides for low-density, high-standard apartment
developments generally compatible with substantial
single-family residential areas. The district
permits garden apartments (two story units) at a
maximum of twelve dwelling units per acre and
permits only thirty-five percent ground coverage
including buildings, parking and drives.
The "C-L Commercial Limited District" permits
primarily office and institutional uses and a few
selected retail studios and shops. Signs must be
attached to the wall of the building and be only
twenty square feet in size. This district provides
often for a reasonable use of portions of the major
thoroughfare while discouraging all the inherent
ill effects of continuous strip commercial retail
zoning. It has been found to be generally com-
patible with certain residential uses as well.
Work would begin immediately to include the Sandy Springs area
into the comprehensive planning process now underway in the
City of Atlanta. This comprehensive planning process is made
up of four elements as follows:
1. Projected future land use needs and their
location as a guide to future rezoning
evaluations.
2. Designation of Major Thoroughfares and
their future effect on the adjacent use
of land.
3. Plans for needed community facilities such
as parks, schools and libraries along with
general locations.
4, The programming of improvements and source
of funds necessary to implement these
future plans.
Q.
A.
FIRE PROTECTION AND FIRE INSURANCE
How would my fire protection be affected? What would this mean in
regard to what I pay for my fire insurance?
Your fire insurance rates would be reduced -- substantially, in
many cases. But, more important, better fire protection would be
afforded to your home or business.
Fire protection and fire insurance rates go hand in hand. The
better the protection available to you, the less you must pay for
fire insurance. Ratings are assigned to particular areas on the
basis of fire protection facilities and other factors. Fire insur-—
ance rates, in turn, are determined by a formula based on the
rating.
The City of Atlanta has a Class 3 rating, which compares very
favorably with other cities of similar size across the nation.
Atlanta has kept well within the requirements of its Class 3 rating
by building, equipping and maintaining fire stations at key points
throughout the city, and by assuring an ample water supply in every
area. Fire protection, in short, is excellent and fire insurance
rates are as low as rates in all but a few major cities,
Sandy Springs, on the other hand, has two different ratings: Class
6 for the Sandy Springs Fire District (which comprises roughly the
area south of Dalrymple Road) and Class 10 for the area outside the
fire district. Fire insurance rates for Class 6 are significantly
higher than Class 3, and the rates for Class 10 are enormously
higher -- particularly in the case of a frame dwelling, for which
the rates are as much as five and a half times greater than Class 3,
Protection for the Sandy Springs Fire District is furnished by one
fire station in the area, manned by one company, and by another
company of firemen operating from a City of Atlanta fire station on
Northside Drive. (The additional company working from the Atlanta
station is supported by the Sandy Springs Fire District, When this
protection was added, the district's rating improved from Class 7
to Class 6.) Emergency "back-up" assistance is available from the
Northside Drive station and another station in Buckhead. The pro-
tection is furnished by the City of Atlanta under a contract
arrangement, and residents of the district pay a 4.5-mill tax for
the service.
Atlanta's Class 3 rating depends on a high degree of protection
throughout the city. Thus, if Sandy Springs joined the eity, it
would become the city's responsibility to all its citizens to bring
the new area up to Class 3 standards as quickly as possible. The
city could not risk the loss of its Class 3 rating, and it would
not allow any area to go without adequate protection,
Once Sandy Springs voiced its desire to become a part of Atlanta,
the city would immediately request the Southeastern Underwriters
to undertake a survey of the new area to determine what needs must
be met to satisfy Class 3 requirements. The recommendations from
the survey would have to be met for Atlanta to maintain its rating.
Although the recommendations from the survey would be the final
guide, the city has made a preliminary study of the area. It is
anticipated that three new fire stations would be required. One
of these would replace the existing station, which is considered
substandard and poorly located to cover such a large area. The
anticipated equipment needs include replacement of two existing
engines and acquiring one new engine and a ladder truck. (Present
equipment would be ineffective in fighting a fire in a building
taller than two stories.) Personnel needs have been estimated at
35 additional men, seven of whom would form a battalion chief's
unit.
Atlanta's present situation -- facilities, equipment and manpower
which comfortably meet minimum standards -- would give the city a
head start toward bringing the new area up to Class 3 standards in
a minimum time. By submitting a reasonable, workable timetable
for meeting standards within an agreed period, the city could help
effect a lowering of insurance rates within a year.
An example of the city's efforts in this respect can be taken from
the 1952 Plan of Improvement, by which a large new area entered
the city. Some areas were brought up to Class 3 within a few
months and the entire area within 18 months.
- 10 -
POLICE PROTECTION
Q. - What changes would occur in police protection? Would the city
A.
build a new precinct station in Sandy Springs?
Police protection would be greatly expanded and improved -- and
the basic concept would change from the type of service provided
in rural areas to the "full-service" protection afforded in a
heavily populated urban area. No additional stations are con-
templated in any area of the city, at present.
Sandy Springs presently receives its police service from the City
of Atlanta under a contract arrangement with Fulton County. The
service includes four patrol cars in the area around the clock,
but the service is limited by the number of officers assigned.
The only laws enforceable are state laws, which are designed, for
the most part, for rural areas. Anyone arrested as a violator of
a state law must be turned over to the Fulton County sheriff for
trial in a state court.
If the area chooses to join the city, it would be necessary to
increase immediately the radio patrol service now provided; foot
patrolmen would be added for duty in the business district, and a
number of motorcycle patrolmen would be put on traffic and patrol
duty. (The number of additional men required is under study by
the Atlanta Police Department.) In addition, the citizens of the
Sandy Springs area would receive the benefit of all the services
and facilities of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Squad and the
special squads in the Detective Department, which are not now
available to the area. Policemen would enforce city ordinances,
as well as state laws, the same as they are enforced in the rest
of Atlanta at present.
The City of Atlanta presently has approximately 1.5 policemen for
every 1,000 population. The city is striving not only to maintain
that ratio but to improve it for the increased protection of all
its citizens,
As for the addition of a precinct station, the trend is away from
the precinct concept in these days of two-way radio communications
and other modern facilities. A radio patrol car, manned by two
officers or even just one, is literally a "traveling precinct
station." With radio communications, the patrolman can call for
assistance and have other officers at his side within moments.
There are no plans for any precinct stations, and the emphasis
will continue to be on mobility and close communications by radio.
= Ti =
SANITATION SERVICE
Q. -— How would my garbage pickup and other sanitation services be af-
fected if Sandy Springs joins the city? As a homeowner, would I
have to pay more for this service?
Your sanitation services would be expanded and improved and it
would cost you less.
As a resident of Atlanta, you would begin receiving several services
which are not now available to you -- rubbish pickup, street clean-
ing, dead animal removal, sanitary inspection, and "guttering",
which means periodic removal of grass and other obstructions from
street gutters. It is the city's responsibility to bring all these
services to its citizens, as well as providing two garbage collec-
tions each week. Instead of paying more for these additional
services, your sanitation charge would be reduced to a maximum of
$22.00 a year. This is based on a base charge of $6.00 plus $4.00
for each 25 feet of lot frontage or fraction thereof, but not to
exceed the $22.00 a year maximum for residences.
This would mean a savings of either $6.00 or $13.00 a year for you,
depending on where you live. Two different types of garbage collec-
tion service are now provided to the people of Sandy Springs under
an arrangement between the City of Atlanta and Fulton County. "In-
district" service is provided to those within the sanitary district,
which includes all of Sandy Springs south of a line extending 300
feet beyond Abernathy Road. Residents within the district receive
two garbage collections per week, for which the homeowners pay $28.00
per year per premises. The rest of the Sandy Springs area receives
"out-of-district" service, which includes two garbage collections
per week on an optional basis. Those homeowners who desire the
service pay $35.00 per year for it, and no charge is made of those
who do not want the service.
Business establishments throughout the Sandy Springs area now pay
for garbage collection on the basis of the actual cost of rendering
the service. Most businesses would realize a substantial saving by
being a part of the city -- and would receive improved service as
well.
A survey of city sanitary services is being conducted presently by
the Public Administration Service.
These findings, which will be available soon, will result in im-
proved services. Any change in rate schedules will apply both to
city residents and to county residents now receiving city services
under contract with the county government,
oe P=
WATER SERVICE
Q. -— What difference, if any, would there be in the way water is sup-
A.
plied to my home or business? Would my water bill be affected?
The only difference would be on your water bill, which would be
cut in half.
Virtually all the existing homes and businesses in the Sandy
Springs area already receive their water from the City of Atlanta
Water Department under an arrangement between the city and Fulton
County. Users outside the city, however, are billed for water at
a double rate. The minimum monthly water bill for City of Atlanta
users is $1.57; for those outside the city, the minimum is $3.14,
Thus, the annual savings for water users inside the city is at
least $18.84,
In reality, savings run much higher than the minimum, however.
Atlanta people are accustomed to having a plentiful supply of good
water at low rates, and they use it in quantity. Experience has
shown that very few homes, inside or outside the city, use little
enough water to be billed for the minimum. An actual survey of
55 homes in the Sandy Springs area chosen at random, showed that
the average water charge paid during 1965 was $90.10. Only five
of these homes were within a dollar of the minimum bill, and three
of the larger users paid $203.39, $240.62 and $366.39.
If these same homes had been inside the city, their water bills for
1965 would have averaged $45.57. The average savings would have
been $44.53 per home.
A similar survey of businesses, also chosen at random to include
small operations as well as large, revealed an average water bill
of $130.26 per year. The average savings inside the city would
have been $62.83.
ee oe
SCHOOLS
Q. —- What changes would occur in the schools my children attend? What would
be done about school bus transportation, since the Atlanta system does
not have free transportation?
Several major differences would occur in the way of advantages: The
addition of kindergartens in the schools of the Sandy Springs area; a
greater emphasis at the high school level on vocational programs, in
addition to the college preparatory and general programs; and the
benefit of more specialized programs and more technical specialists.
School bus transportation, admittedly, is a problem which would have
to be dealt with - and right away.
In general, the curricula of the Atlanta system and the Fulton County
system are similar, as are the personnel policies, overall operational
procedures and financial structures.
Addition of kindergartens to the Sandy Springs schools would:be an
expensive undertaking for the city, particularly where existing facil-
ities are operating almost at capacity. In those elementary schools
where space is immediately available, kindergartens would be started
in January, 1967, and teachers provided. In elementary schools where
classroom space is not readily available, air-conditioned supplemental
classrooms would be ready for use, with necessary teachers, by the
opening of school in September, 1967. Primary studies show that 10
additional teachers and some $243,000 to $293,000 in additional funds
would be required to provide programs for the estimated 450 kinder-
garten pupils in the area.
The salary schedules for teachers are somewhat higher in the Atlanta
system, which also would mean additional expenditures. In general,
Atlanta teachers make 8.9 percent more than Fulton County teachers.
In becoming a part of the Atlanta School System, teachers in the Sandy
Springs schools would transfer directly to the city's pension plan
without loss of any money or benefits. Atlanta and Fulton school
officials both say that pension benefits of both systems are prac-
tically the same.
The Fulton County system provides free bus transportation for pupils
who live further than 1-1/2 miles from school, and this expense is
covered by local and state funds. On the other hand, the Atlanta
Transit System provides bus transportation for Atlanta system pupils
on routes determined by pupil need and with pupils paying as they
ride. Robert Sommerville, president of the Atlanta Transit System,
has given assurance that school bus routes will be provided for pupils
in the Sandy Springs area.
Additional construction needs are evident in the Sandy Springs area.
Enrollment has increased some 56 percent since 1960, and it continues
to increase. Estimates are that the enrollment in kindergartens
through the twelfth grade will exceed 10,000 pupils by 1970.
What would happen to school pupils living in the area south of Roswell
and north of the Sandy Springs area, not affected by the referendum?
Both city and county school officials have given assurance that these
pupils would be allowed to remain in their present schools if they
choose.
= Was
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