District 1 Receives $1.8 Million in Federal Appropriations
When I became Presiding Officer in 2022, I made it a priority for DeKalb County BOC to pursue federal appropriations (formally known as “earmarks”) after a 10-year ban on the practice. In 2022, we submitted a package of projects totaling $15 million. After months of advocating in DC and pitching our projects, in 2023, it […]
Flooding and Private Property
During the months of March and April, flooding becomes a major concern for some residents in our district. Since taking office in 2021, residents have shared with me the damage heavy rains and storms have caused to their properties, surrounding creeks, and neighborhood streets. Unfortunately, DeKalb County’s water and sewer infrastructure dates back to the […]
SPLOST II On November Ballot to Fund $850 million in Major County Improvements Such as Public Safety, Parks & Rec, New Roads, Animal Shelter
When DeKalb County, Georgia, voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 7 election for various county and municipal officials, they also will decide whether to continue to have an additional 1 percent Special Local Option Sales Tax added to purchases made within the county for another six years starting in 2024.The lengthy ballot question may […]
What voters need to know about the SPLOST II vote in DeKalb County on Nov. 7, 2023
In 2017, an overwhelming 71% of DeKalb County voters approved the county’s first Special Option Local Sales Tax (SPLOST), adding a penny sales tax to fund public safety and capital improvements. The penny tax has is expected to generate $636 million for the county and its cities by the time it expires in 2024. Those […]
DeKalb Stormwater Fees Could Go Up for the First Time in Nearly 20 Years if Plan is Approved
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County commissioners are set to vote on whether or not to raise stormwater fees for the first time in nearly 20 years. The plan would double the current annual rate for every homeowner from $48 to $96 a year. The commissioners said it’s to upgrade the infrastructure, improve sewage and […]
Storm Water Rate Increase will Help to Alleviate Eroding Storm Water Infrastructure
One of the most important things we do as a county is ensure our infrastructure works: From streetlights and streets to sewer and sanitation. While it’s not the most glamorous work, it is the nuts and bolts that make the county work the way it should. One issue county residents tell us about frequently is […]
Commissioner Robert Patrick to Host Community Input Meeting for McElroy Road Sidewalk Project
Decatur, GA-On Thursday, May 18, Commissioner Robert Patrick, along with special guest Doraville Mayor Joseph Giereman, will host a community meeting to obtain residents’ input on a proposed sidewalk project on McElroy Road. This residential road is highly utilized by pedestrians to gain access to and from the Buford Highway commercial district for goods and […]
New traffic light switched on by Pleasantdale Road in DeKalb County
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) -A new traffic light is up and running on Pleasantdale Road in front of Pleasantdale Elementary School in DeKalb County. “When I told my community this light was turning on, it was just elation. They’re so excited this is happening,” said Pleasantdale Elementary Principal Amy Heutel. See full news footage […]
Commissioner Robert Patrick and CEO Michael Thurmond to Host “Flip the Switch” Event to Commemorate the Latest Traffic Signal Installation on Pleasantdale Road
Decatur, GA — Commissioner Robert Patrick and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, in partnership with DeKalb County’s Transportation Department, and DeKalb County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, will unveil the newest traffic light at Pleasantdale Elementary School on Monday, April 24th, 2023. The newly installed traffic signal adds another layer of safety for […]
Congresswoman Lucy McBath Visits District 1 to Tour Pleasantdale Road
For many years, residents living and shopping along the busy Pleasantdale Road corridor have voiced their concerns over the lack of safety, visibility, and the potentially dangerous situations the current road creates for pedestrians, drivers, and other users. During a recent Pleasantdale Park community meeting held by Commissioner Robert Patrick, some residents expressed difficulties in […]