By APRIL HUNT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, January 30, 2009
Dunwoody could hire the first of its 29 patrol officers in the next two weeks, making good on its pledge to have a force ready to hit the streets April 1 in part because of a generous benefits package.
A total of 26 candidates have started the multi-stage interview process, with 10 ready for the last step of interviewing with Police Chief Billy Grogan. Even more candidates are expected to emerge with the city council’s approval last week of the benefits package — which includes a $2,000 signing bonus - and a job fair being held Saturday.
JOB FAIR The Dunwoody Police Department will hold a job fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the South Terraces Office Building, 115 Perimeter Center Place, Atlanta.
“We want the best, and we want to make it easy for them to come to our force,” Grogan said.
Having a local police force was a driving force for many residents who voted last year to make Dunwoody Georgia’s newest city. More than 40 percent of the city’s $14.4 million budget will pay for 48 positions, 40 take-home police cars, other equipment and benefits.
Averages salaries will be $70,000 for three lieutenants, $58,000 for six sergeants; and $46,000 for patrol officers. The benefits package includes:
• Fully paid medical insurance.
• A retirement program that includes city contribution of 10 percent of the worker’s salary.
• $2,000 yearly tuition reimbursement.
• $300 monthly housing subsidy, for up to three years, to live in the city limits.
Mayor Ken Wright admitted the package was top-notch, especially in tough economic times. However, he said it falls within the planned budget and will help the city meet its aggressive goal for standing up its department.
“If we’re trying to attract the finest out there, and quickly, that’s a very important piece of getting that,” Wright said. “It’s a good package, to be sure, but it’s not crazy.”
Dunwoody plans to hire only experienced and certified officers for its force. Grogan said applicants so far have between two and 10 years of experience. Most of them are from the metro Atlanta area.
Saturday’s job fair in Atlanta is designed to appeal to cops like that, who have been curious but have not applied. The event will feature a question and answer session as well as a presentation of equipment, such as the Glock .45 caliber and stun guns that officers will use.
Grogan said he will explain his vision for the force that focuses on community policing and partnerships with local groups, as another way to draw out the best candidates.
“We want to attract good employees who are otherwise happy where they are and give them a good reason to partner with us,” he said.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Calvin, Giordano & Associates Recieves Municipal Services Management Contract
DUNWOODY, Ga., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- DeKalb County's newest municipality -- Dunwoody, located north of Atlanta -- has approved a three-year multi-purpose service management contract with Fort Lauderdale-based Calvin, Giordano & Associates (CGA). CGA has retained the services of JAT Consulting of Kennesaw, Georgia to fulfill the financial services portion of the contact.
According to George Keller, Director of Government Affairs for CGA and Project Manager for the Dunwoody assignment, Dunwoody is contracting with CGA for finance and administrative services, including, accounting, purchasing, forecasting, risk management and reporting. They will also administer information technology, web site management, public relations, customer service, records management, human resources, and administrative support for the City.
Dunwoody, a 12.1 square mile community of approximately 40,000 residents, was incorporated in late 2008. In early 2006, a study was conducted by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government of the University of Georgia, to determine how feasible it would be to incorporate Dunwoody. In December of 2008, Dunwoody joined the ranks of other area Georgia cities such as Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek that have incorporated to manage their own operations and finances; a growing trend over the past three years.
Many U.S. municipalities are opting to outsource services to private contractors such as CGA over the past several years. CGA, which has provided services to the public sector for decades as a core business, has gained considerable recognition for delivering a wide scope of services for the premier City of Weston in South Florida, chartered in 1996. CGA provides Weston and other cities with engineering, traffic engineering, surveying, construction management, inspection, planning and zoning, landscape architecture, web design and management, and geographic information system services.
In addition to the City of Weston, several Florida municipalities have opted to outsource services to CGA over the past several years, including Sunny Isles, West Park, North Lauderdale, Parkland, Surfside and Lake Park.
About Calvin, Giordano & Associates
CGA is an innovative consulting firm that offers a comprehensive approach to engineering, land planning, government regulatory compliance and data technologies and development. CGA, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, employs approximately 200 people. For more information about CGA and its services, call 954-921-7781 or go to CGA's website at www.calvin-giordano.com.
According to George Keller, Director of Government Affairs for CGA and Project Manager for the Dunwoody assignment, Dunwoody is contracting with CGA for finance and administrative services, including, accounting, purchasing, forecasting, risk management and reporting. They will also administer information technology, web site management, public relations, customer service, records management, human resources, and administrative support for the City.
Dunwoody, a 12.1 square mile community of approximately 40,000 residents, was incorporated in late 2008. In early 2006, a study was conducted by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government of the University of Georgia, to determine how feasible it would be to incorporate Dunwoody. In December of 2008, Dunwoody joined the ranks of other area Georgia cities such as Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek that have incorporated to manage their own operations and finances; a growing trend over the past three years.
Many U.S. municipalities are opting to outsource services to private contractors such as CGA over the past several years. CGA, which has provided services to the public sector for decades as a core business, has gained considerable recognition for delivering a wide scope of services for the premier City of Weston in South Florida, chartered in 1996. CGA provides Weston and other cities with engineering, traffic engineering, surveying, construction management, inspection, planning and zoning, landscape architecture, web design and management, and geographic information system services.
In addition to the City of Weston, several Florida municipalities have opted to outsource services to CGA over the past several years, including Sunny Isles, West Park, North Lauderdale, Parkland, Surfside and Lake Park.
About Calvin, Giordano & Associates
CGA is an innovative consulting firm that offers a comprehensive approach to engineering, land planning, government regulatory compliance and data technologies and development. CGA, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, employs approximately 200 people. For more information about CGA and its services, call 954-921-7781 or go to CGA's website at www.calvin-giordano.com.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Dunwoody Council Candidates Get Look At City Services
By DAVID MARKIEWICZ / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Candidates for Dunwoody’s first council got a look Saturday at what might serve as the blueprints for the new DeKalb County city.
Task forces set up to study the best ways to provide municipal services when Dunwoody begins to operate Dec. 1 issued their reports to the candidates at an all-day session.
The reports are only recommendations and are non-binding. But they likely will carry significant weight with new council members, who will have little time to prepare for cityhood after Sept. 16, when they and a mayor will be elected.
Candidates for the six council seats heard reports on zoning, courts, parks and police, among other areas.The lengthiest presentation, though, came from the private company that wants to provide basic services to the city.
Representatives from CH2M Hill explained how the firm would provide services such as planning and zoning, inspections and permitting and code enforcement and how it would help secure grant funds if the council chooses to hire it.
The firm does such work for other new metro Atlanta cities – Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and Chattahoochee Hill Country. The company was selected over another bidder by a panel appointed by the Citizens for Dunwoody Inc., the group that headed the task force effort.
Oliver Porter, a consultant to Dunwoody in its cityhood preparations, said council members could set up their own municipal operation, but that would be far costlier than hiring an outside contractor.
Rick Hirsekorn, vice president for CH2M Hill, said the company already has selected the staff that will work for Dunwoody, if the council selects the firm. The company also has a building that initially would be used as a city hall.
As for the recommendations in the task force reports, council candidate Tom Taylor summarized them by saying that the groups asked for a higher and costlier level of services than was projected in a budget submitted to Dunwoody by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia.
Taylor noted that the police task force, which he chaired, recommended a police budget of about $3.4 million in the first year of the city, compared with the $2.8 million projected cost in the Vinson study.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Candidates for Dunwoody’s first council got a look Saturday at what might serve as the blueprints for the new DeKalb County city.
Task forces set up to study the best ways to provide municipal services when Dunwoody begins to operate Dec. 1 issued their reports to the candidates at an all-day session.
The reports are only recommendations and are non-binding. But they likely will carry significant weight with new council members, who will have little time to prepare for cityhood after Sept. 16, when they and a mayor will be elected.
Candidates for the six council seats heard reports on zoning, courts, parks and police, among other areas.The lengthiest presentation, though, came from the private company that wants to provide basic services to the city.
Representatives from CH2M Hill explained how the firm would provide services such as planning and zoning, inspections and permitting and code enforcement and how it would help secure grant funds if the council chooses to hire it.
The firm does such work for other new metro Atlanta cities – Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and Chattahoochee Hill Country. The company was selected over another bidder by a panel appointed by the Citizens for Dunwoody Inc., the group that headed the task force effort.
Oliver Porter, a consultant to Dunwoody in its cityhood preparations, said council members could set up their own municipal operation, but that would be far costlier than hiring an outside contractor.
Rick Hirsekorn, vice president for CH2M Hill, said the company already has selected the staff that will work for Dunwoody, if the council selects the firm. The company also has a building that initially would be used as a city hall.
As for the recommendations in the task force reports, council candidate Tom Taylor summarized them by saying that the groups asked for a higher and costlier level of services than was projected in a budget submitted to Dunwoody by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia.
Taylor noted that the police task force, which he chaired, recommended a police budget of about $3.4 million in the first year of the city, compared with the $2.8 million projected cost in the Vinson study.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Dunwoody Woman Wins U.S. Silver Medal At Beijing Olympics
From The Associated Press.
August 9, 2008
BEIJING -- Mariel Zagunis won the first U.S. gold medal of the Beijing Olympics, leading an American sweep Saturday in women's sabre fencing. Zagunis, the 2004 sabre champion, took the gold with a 15-8 victory over Sada Jacobson, who took the silver. Becca Ward took the bronze.
When Zagunis won four years ago, she was the first American in a century to win a fencing gold. Now, it's becoming commonplace in this event. The United States will also be favored to win the team competition in women's sabre.
Before the fencing medals were awarded, the Americans had been shut out of Olympic medals completely, trailing the likes of Cuba, North Korea, Taiwan and Uzbekistan in the overall standings. Now, the United States is the only country with three medals.
Jacobson, of Dunwoody, Ga., won the bronze in 2004. She was the top seed in this year's competition but couldn't overcome Zagunis in the final. Zagunis, of Beaverton, Ore., led throughout the gold medal bout -- her most lopsided win of the tournament.
Zagunis and Ward, members of the same Oregon fencing club, met in the semifinals. Zagunis prevailed 15-11, and Ward left the competition area in tears. "That was probably the hardest bout I've ever fenced in my career," Zagunis said.
Ward still looked shaken when she came out for the bronze medal match, and she fell behind 6-1 to Russia's Sofiya Velikaya. But the 18-year-old from Portland, Ore., rallied for a dramatic 15-14 victory that ensured a U.S. sweep.
August 9, 2008
BEIJING -- Mariel Zagunis won the first U.S. gold medal of the Beijing Olympics, leading an American sweep Saturday in women's sabre fencing. Zagunis, the 2004 sabre champion, took the gold with a 15-8 victory over Sada Jacobson, who took the silver. Becca Ward took the bronze.
When Zagunis won four years ago, she was the first American in a century to win a fencing gold. Now, it's becoming commonplace in this event. The United States will also be favored to win the team competition in women's sabre.
Before the fencing medals were awarded, the Americans had been shut out of Olympic medals completely, trailing the likes of Cuba, North Korea, Taiwan and Uzbekistan in the overall standings. Now, the United States is the only country with three medals.
Jacobson, of Dunwoody, Ga., won the bronze in 2004. She was the top seed in this year's competition but couldn't overcome Zagunis in the final. Zagunis, of Beaverton, Ore., led throughout the gold medal bout -- her most lopsided win of the tournament.
Zagunis and Ward, members of the same Oregon fencing club, met in the semifinals. Zagunis prevailed 15-11, and Ward left the competition area in tears. "That was probably the hardest bout I've ever fenced in my career," Zagunis said.
Ward still looked shaken when she came out for the bronze medal match, and she fell behind 6-1 to Russia's Sofiya Velikaya. But the 18-year-old from Portland, Ore., rallied for a dramatic 15-14 victory that ensured a U.S. sweep.
Dekalb Cops Hope Robbing Crew Busted
By RHONDA COOK / www.ajc.com / Published on: 08/09/08
DeKalb County police may have shut down a robbing crew that has hit as many as 20 businesses, including three Family Dollar stores.
The investigation turned Friday with an armed robbery call to an AutoZone store on Covington Highway. Two of six teenagers, Devontae Patridge, 18, and Dexter Lovelace, 17, were arrested shortly after and that led to the other four, police said Saturday.Maurice White, 17, and a 16-year-old and two 15-year-old boys, who were not identified because of their ages, were picked up.
Multiple armed robbery charges are pending against all six.
DeKalb County police may have shut down a robbing crew that has hit as many as 20 businesses, including three Family Dollar stores.
The investigation turned Friday with an armed robbery call to an AutoZone store on Covington Highway. Two of six teenagers, Devontae Patridge, 18, and Dexter Lovelace, 17, were arrested shortly after and that led to the other four, police said Saturday.Maurice White, 17, and a 16-year-old and two 15-year-old boys, who were not identified because of their ages, were picked up.
Multiple armed robbery charges are pending against all six.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
29 Size Up Dunwoody Council Duty
By DAVID MARKIEWICZ www.ajc.com
Twenty-nine people announced interest Saturday in running for mayor or council in the new city of Dunwoody. After potential city leaders heard what elected officials from some other newly minted municipalities had to say, the number might dwindle.
Speaking at an informational forum for residents considering candidacy in Dunwoody, leaders of other cities declared the business of building a city exciting and worthwhile, but demanding and time-consuming."If you think this is a part-time job, you're crazy," said Dianne Fries, a councilwoman in Sandy Springs. With all the contracts and other documents she has to study, Fries said, "I haven't read for fun in three years.""You're on call 24 hours," chimed in Bev Miller, a council member in Johns Creek, also recently incorporated.
Fellow Johns Creek council member Dan McCabe echoed those comments but added, perhaps to the relief of the prospective candidates: "It's also the coolest thing. What you have is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ... to create a right government."
Voters overwhelmingly approved establishing the new north DeKalb County city in last week's election.The info session was set up to educate would-be candidates. Hopefuls must declare their intentions Aug. 4 through Aug. 6. A special election in which voters will select six council members and a mayor will be Sept. 16. A runoff, if necessary, would be conducted Oct. 14. The new city is to begin operating Dec. 1.
As a result of Saturday's session and other informational efforts, "I believe we will have the best informed set of candidates to take office," said Oliver Porter, who has been helping guide Dunwoody's preparations for cityhood, as he did in Sandy Springs and other cities.
Added Porter, "We want people to know what they're getting into."
Saturday, they learned:
• The approximate cost to run an election campaign ($6,050 to $34,000, based on the experience of candidates in other new cities).
• The compensation ($16,000 plus $5,000 expenses for the mayor and $12,000 plus $3,000 expenses for each council member).
• Registration and election dates.
They also learned about Dunwoody's demographics: predominantly white, middle- to upper-middle income, with a high percentage of homeowners and college graduates, according to statistics.
They learned the number of registered voters in Dunwoody, which has grown to more than 27,000, and the historical turnout in special elections, which is low at about 10 to 15 percent.
That, it was noted, shows the importance of getting out the vote on election day.
Candidates attending the forum included some familiar names. Council hopeful Robert Wittenstein, the only officially declared candidate, attended and handed out campaign literature.
Others who signed on as potential candidates were Denny Shortal, a prominent member of Dunwoody Yes, the political action group that supported a yea vote on Dunwoody's incorporation referendum last Tuesday; and Tom Taylor, a leader in Citizens for Dunwoody Inc.
Not everyone who signed in Saturday as a potential candidate is expected be on the Aug. 16 ballot. Ian Ferdinands said he is unsure whether he will join the fray. "I'm just checking it out," he said. "I might run. It depends on how much it costs."Like any good candidate, though, Ferdinands gave himself a plug and acknowledged scoping out the potential competition.The retiree noted his experience working as a chief financial officer, saying. "I think they might need that on the council, especially with that budget they've got."
And, he added, "I wanted to see who's running."
Twenty-nine people announced interest Saturday in running for mayor or council in the new city of Dunwoody. After potential city leaders heard what elected officials from some other newly minted municipalities had to say, the number might dwindle.
Speaking at an informational forum for residents considering candidacy in Dunwoody, leaders of other cities declared the business of building a city exciting and worthwhile, but demanding and time-consuming."If you think this is a part-time job, you're crazy," said Dianne Fries, a councilwoman in Sandy Springs. With all the contracts and other documents she has to study, Fries said, "I haven't read for fun in three years.""You're on call 24 hours," chimed in Bev Miller, a council member in Johns Creek, also recently incorporated.
Fellow Johns Creek council member Dan McCabe echoed those comments but added, perhaps to the relief of the prospective candidates: "It's also the coolest thing. What you have is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ... to create a right government."
Voters overwhelmingly approved establishing the new north DeKalb County city in last week's election.The info session was set up to educate would-be candidates. Hopefuls must declare their intentions Aug. 4 through Aug. 6. A special election in which voters will select six council members and a mayor will be Sept. 16. A runoff, if necessary, would be conducted Oct. 14. The new city is to begin operating Dec. 1.
As a result of Saturday's session and other informational efforts, "I believe we will have the best informed set of candidates to take office," said Oliver Porter, who has been helping guide Dunwoody's preparations for cityhood, as he did in Sandy Springs and other cities.
Added Porter, "We want people to know what they're getting into."
Saturday, they learned:
• The approximate cost to run an election campaign ($6,050 to $34,000, based on the experience of candidates in other new cities).
• The compensation ($16,000 plus $5,000 expenses for the mayor and $12,000 plus $3,000 expenses for each council member).
• Registration and election dates.
They also learned about Dunwoody's demographics: predominantly white, middle- to upper-middle income, with a high percentage of homeowners and college graduates, according to statistics.
They learned the number of registered voters in Dunwoody, which has grown to more than 27,000, and the historical turnout in special elections, which is low at about 10 to 15 percent.
That, it was noted, shows the importance of getting out the vote on election day.
Candidates attending the forum included some familiar names. Council hopeful Robert Wittenstein, the only officially declared candidate, attended and handed out campaign literature.
Others who signed on as potential candidates were Denny Shortal, a prominent member of Dunwoody Yes, the political action group that supported a yea vote on Dunwoody's incorporation referendum last Tuesday; and Tom Taylor, a leader in Citizens for Dunwoody Inc.
Not everyone who signed in Saturday as a potential candidate is expected be on the Aug. 16 ballot. Ian Ferdinands said he is unsure whether he will join the fray. "I'm just checking it out," he said. "I might run. It depends on how much it costs."Like any good candidate, though, Ferdinands gave himself a plug and acknowledged scoping out the potential competition.The retiree noted his experience working as a chief financial officer, saying. "I think they might need that on the council, especially with that budget they've got."
And, he added, "I wanted to see who's running."
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dunwoody To Become Georgia's Newest City
BY DAVID MARKIEWICZ www.ajc.com
Dunwoody appears poised to become DeKalb County's first new city in 71 years.
With more than 80 percent of the precincts reporting, the community's referendum on incorporation was winning easily with more than 80 percent of the vote.
Cityhood supporters celebrated the culmination of a three-year effort and looked ahead to municipal elections in September and the start of government operations on Dec. 1.
"It was definitely a mandate, which is fantastic going forward," said Ken Wright, president of Citizens for Dunwoody Inc., the group that promoted the referendum. "This will not be a cakewalk. It's going to require the participation of the people in this community."
One Dunwoody resident, Linda Lorick, said she voted for the referendum even though she believes taxes will increase. "But if it's spent here, where we can see it," she said, "it's a good thing."
The most public opponent of the referendum, state Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta), said she hoped to help leaders of the new city "build bridges" and added, "We can't win every battle. We educated people."
Opponents have said the proposed Dunwoody budget overstates revenues and underestimates expenses and that services would have to be less than proposed or taxes will have to be increased.
Supporters dismissed those charges during a debate that became contentious as the election drew closer. They said that as citizens of a city, Dunwoody residents would have closer and better government that would address their specific needs.
Dunwoody is the latest metro Atlanta community to consider incorporation, following the recent lead of Fulton County's Sandy Springs, Milton, Johns Creek and Chattahoochee Hill Country, all of which opted in favor of cityhood.
Dunwoody would be the first city formed in DeKalb, however, since Pine Lake in 1937.
In the absence of official polling, there was only speculation in advance of Tuesday's vote. But many on both sides of the Dunwoody debate - those in favor of the referendum, and those opposed to it - said from the start that they believed the issue was likely to win approval.
Efforts already are under way to prepare Dunwoody for cityhood. A group of task forces was set up to research and recommend how the new municipal government should operate in key areas including police, parks and recreation, zoning and planning, codes and ordinances. The groups' reports are expected in August when prospective candidates for council and mayor can study them and familiarize themselves with their options.
Elections are the next big event on the schedule, taking place on Sept. 16. The city would start operating less than three months later.
It's a fast track, but the road to a referendum vote has been more marathon than sprint.
Dunwoody's drive to incorporate officially began in February of 2006 when Sen. Dan Weber (R-Dunwoody) introduced a bill in the Georgia legislature. He withdrew the bill a month later, reportedly because of concerns over the proposed city's budget and the potential for a tax increase.
The idea continued to percolate, however, and the bill passed the senate in the 2007 legislative session only to fail in the House later that April after legislation was introduced in that body by Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody).
Dunwoody's incorporation effort attracted stiff opposition along the way, principally from some DeKalb County leaders who said that if the community became a city the county would lose an estimated $15 million in tax revenues. Supporters downplayed the potential loss to the county and said it was the community's right to determine its destiny.
Public opposition inside Dunwoody remained relatively minimal while Citizens for Dunwoody heavily promoted the effort.
Finally, last March, the House passed the bill by a 106-60 vote. That allowed it to be sent on to Gov. Sonny Perdue who signed the legislation putting the question to voters.
Dunwoody appears poised to become DeKalb County's first new city in 71 years.
With more than 80 percent of the precincts reporting, the community's referendum on incorporation was winning easily with more than 80 percent of the vote.
Cityhood supporters celebrated the culmination of a three-year effort and looked ahead to municipal elections in September and the start of government operations on Dec. 1.
"It was definitely a mandate, which is fantastic going forward," said Ken Wright, president of Citizens for Dunwoody Inc., the group that promoted the referendum. "This will not be a cakewalk. It's going to require the participation of the people in this community."
One Dunwoody resident, Linda Lorick, said she voted for the referendum even though she believes taxes will increase. "But if it's spent here, where we can see it," she said, "it's a good thing."
The most public opponent of the referendum, state Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta), said she hoped to help leaders of the new city "build bridges" and added, "We can't win every battle. We educated people."
Opponents have said the proposed Dunwoody budget overstates revenues and underestimates expenses and that services would have to be less than proposed or taxes will have to be increased.
Supporters dismissed those charges during a debate that became contentious as the election drew closer. They said that as citizens of a city, Dunwoody residents would have closer and better government that would address their specific needs.
Dunwoody is the latest metro Atlanta community to consider incorporation, following the recent lead of Fulton County's Sandy Springs, Milton, Johns Creek and Chattahoochee Hill Country, all of which opted in favor of cityhood.
Dunwoody would be the first city formed in DeKalb, however, since Pine Lake in 1937.
In the absence of official polling, there was only speculation in advance of Tuesday's vote. But many on both sides of the Dunwoody debate - those in favor of the referendum, and those opposed to it - said from the start that they believed the issue was likely to win approval.
Efforts already are under way to prepare Dunwoody for cityhood. A group of task forces was set up to research and recommend how the new municipal government should operate in key areas including police, parks and recreation, zoning and planning, codes and ordinances. The groups' reports are expected in August when prospective candidates for council and mayor can study them and familiarize themselves with their options.
Elections are the next big event on the schedule, taking place on Sept. 16. The city would start operating less than three months later.
It's a fast track, but the road to a referendum vote has been more marathon than sprint.
Dunwoody's drive to incorporate officially began in February of 2006 when Sen. Dan Weber (R-Dunwoody) introduced a bill in the Georgia legislature. He withdrew the bill a month later, reportedly because of concerns over the proposed city's budget and the potential for a tax increase.
The idea continued to percolate, however, and the bill passed the senate in the 2007 legislative session only to fail in the House later that April after legislation was introduced in that body by Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody).
Dunwoody's incorporation effort attracted stiff opposition along the way, principally from some DeKalb County leaders who said that if the community became a city the county would lose an estimated $15 million in tax revenues. Supporters downplayed the potential loss to the county and said it was the community's right to determine its destiny.
Public opposition inside Dunwoody remained relatively minimal while Citizens for Dunwoody heavily promoted the effort.
Finally, last March, the House passed the bill by a 106-60 vote. That allowed it to be sent on to Gov. Sonny Perdue who signed the legislation putting the question to voters.
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