DALTON, Ga. — Back in the 1950s, Dalton residents voted to approve a special tax dedicated to recreation.
Now, Mayor David Pennington is counting on pending state legislation to help city residents undo the more than 50-year-old funding mechanism.
He argues that recreation should be paid for from the city’s general budget, not a separate property tax. “We’re not trying to do away with the recreation department,” Mr. Pennington said. “That’s not at all what we’re doing.”
City Alderman Charlie Bethel, however, said ending the recreation department’s dedicated tax could jeopardize its budget.
“That reduces the reliability and predictability of recreation funding,” Mr. Bethel said, but added that Dalton should re-examine recreation funding. For example, the recreation tax rate could roll back when property is reassessed.
For his part, Mr. Pennington said the city should control the recreation department’s funding.
“There may be times when they need more funding,” he said. “There may be times when they need less.”
Since coming into office in January, the mayor has pledged to cut taxes and trim the budget. He has frequently butted heads with the city’s Downtown Development Authority, which charges an extra property tax on downtown district property to fund its budget.
That authority’s vice chairman, Kellie Smith, said entities like hers and the recreation commission need dedicated tax revenues to sustain themselves. “Those (taxes) were set up to prevent them from being a political football,” she said.
Ms. Smith explained, “I find it hard to comprehend how you can cut taxes and still fund ... the recreation commission.”
Still, Community Center Director Tom Pinson said he believes the city will meet the recreation department’s needs.
“I’m sure if something comes up, the city will take care of us,” Mr. Pinson said.
Recreation Director Ronnie Nix drafted a statement on the tax issue. “I don’t have any control that could alter the source of funding for the Parks and Recreation Department,” he wrote. “That’s for the policy makers and the people to decide.”
The recreation commission’s tax now brings in about $3.8 million a year. It funds items ranging from park maintenance to free team sports for children, and Mayor Pennington said he won’t cut services like these.
“We’ve got to have a quality of life here to attract the type of educated people we want,” the mayor said.
