For Immediate Release:

Contact: Rosemary Taylor, 678-223-8828

Johns Creek opposes MARTA sales tax extension
Joins fellow North Fulton cities in opposition

JOHNS CREEK, Georgia—April 15, 2007—The City of Johns Creek will not lend its support to the currently proposed extension of a 1 percent sales tax in Fulton County for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

On April 9, the Johns Creek City Council joined their fellow North Fulton cities of Roswell and Alpharetta in unanimously passing a resolution in opposition to the extension, citing the lack of any MARTA capital projects anywhere in North Fulton and the absence of a voter referendum.

"Continuing this MARTA sales tax would affect every citizen of Fulton County for many years to come. It's a crucial decision and its importance demands input from every citizen. The proper forum for that is a voter referendum," said Mayor Mike Bodker.

The current 1 percent sales tax will fund MARTA through 2032. Extension of the tax would assure continuance of MARTA funding to 2047, allowing the authority to borrow money to fund more than $15 million in projects, none of which are located in North Fulton.

A proposed extension of the North Fulton MARTA rail line was cancelled in anticipation of those funds needed for a proposed rail beltline around Atlanta.

"Public transportation is a valid option for relieving the traffic congestion of North Fulton. It's something we can't ignore and MARTA could offer us a solution. As things stand now, the sales taxes our citizens would pay would not benefit them locally," said Bodker.

Created in 1965, MARTA serves the Metro-Atlanta counties of Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and Clayton. Funding of the rail/bus system through sales taxes, however, only comes from the City of Atlanta and Fulton and Dekalb counties.

The City of Atlanta has voted to extend the MARTA 1 percent sales tax. Fulton and Dekalb County Commissioners are still considering the extension and will hold a joint meeting to discuss it Friday, April 20 at 9 am at the Manuel J. Maloof Center, 6th floor, 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.

About the City of Johns Creek
The City of Johns Creek, Georgia is located in the northeast corner of Fulton County. It was incorporated December 1, 2006, following a voter referendum July 18, 2006.

For more information, visit the City of Johns Creek Web site at www.JohnsCreekGA.gov.

Press Contact:
Rosemary Taylor
Communications Manager
City of Johns Creek
P 678-223-8828

The City of Johns Creek believes all press releases were accurate as of their respective dates, but makes no representation as to accuracy on any other date and assumes no responsibility for updating information contained in any press release.