A look to the New Year

The arrival of a new year naturally brings forth resolutions, predictions and the opportunity to define one's goals for the next 365 days. What will be written on the blank pages of 2009 for the City of Johns Creek? Mayor Mike Bodker recently discussed the City's priorities for 2009 as well as the challenges that lie ahead. Read more.

First-ever audit says City's finances are sound

A representative of the Mauldin & Jenkins accounting firm presented the City's first-ever audited financial report to the Mayor and Council at the Dec. 15 work session.

The report was given a clean opinion by the auditors for the 10-month period from the City's incorporation on December 1, 2006 through September 20, 2007. The General Fund ending balance was approximately $6.8 million. Read more.

March 1 is deadline for Homestead Exemptions

City homeowners have until March 1 to file their applications for Homestead Exemption with Fulton County, but only those who have not applied previously or who qualify for new exemptions need to fill out the paperwork.

To qualify for any Homestead Exemption, homeowners must have owned and occupied their home as their primary residence as of January 1 of the application year. Where an application is required, it must be filed with the Fulton County Tax Assessor's Office. The City and Assessor's Office have created a combined application process so there is no need to file separately with the City. Read more.

Time to renew business tax certificates

Businesses in the City of Johns Creek have until March 31, 2009 to renew their business tax certificates by submitting a business tax return with full payment of all fees and taxes due. The City will begin mailing renewal applications the last week in December and a second notice will be mailed in mid-February.

Failure to receive a renewal application does not relieve a business of its responsibility to pay the business tax by the deadline. Late payments are subject to a 10 percent penalty and interest of 1.5 percent a month. Questions? Contact the Revenue Division, 678-512-3200.

Mayor to lead Municipal Association committee

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker has been appointed Chairman of the Georgia Municipal Association's Revenue and Finance Policy Committee.

As chair, Bodker will be responsible for overseeing the development of GMA's revenue and finance policies and presiding at committee meetings. Read more.

General Assembly begins '09 session Jan. 12

The Georgia General Assembly convenes for its annual 40-day session Monday, Jan. 12. The 180 members of the House (105 Republicans, 75 Democrats) and 56 senators (34 Republicans, 22 Democrats) will face a state budget shortfall, which is expected to dominate the session. Property tax relief is another subject expected to be considered this session. Already legislation has been introduced to cap property tax assessments.

Although the session is limited to 40 working days, they do not have to be consecutive, so the ending date depends on the number and length of breaks lawmakers opt to take. Last year's session ended April 4. For information about lawmakers, to follow the progress of legislation or other information, check the Georgia General Assembly Web site.

Learn about Relay for Life at Jan. 15 kickoff

Kickoff for the Relay For Life of Johns Creek takes place Thursday, January 15 at Rivermont Country Club. The evening lasts from 5:30-7:30 pm and includes complimentary hor d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

This is an opportunity to hear more about taking part in the first-ever Relay in Johns Creek, which honors cancer survivors and pays tribute to those whose lives were lost to the disease. Interested? RSVP with your name and email to michelle.meyer@cancer.org.

You can pay those fines online

If you have business with the Municipal Court, you can learn what you need to know and even pay any fines online by visiting the Municipal Court section of the City Web site.