The paint pros and homeowners have trusted for generations. 3 LOCATIONS! ROSWELL & EAST COBB! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
inSIDEoutPaintCenters.com
(770) 702-8888
S e p t e m b e r 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 4 1 , N o . 3 8
Arts Center dances into Hispanic Heritage Month Bond payments nudge Roswell tax rate upward BY ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The La Candela Flamenco dance company brought their Hispanic Heritage Celebration show to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. The show took audience members on a “cultural journey” through the rich history of the Spanish art form known as “flamenco.” Company Director Ania Bartelmus, also known as “La Candela,” led the show bringing a night of traditional dance and musical performance. “Flamenco is more than just dance and music,” Bartelmus said. “It’s also a culture and a way of life for people and has a very rich history. Living here in the U.S., I was always thinking how to bring flamenco closer to people.” Through its Spanish, African and Jewish influences, the diverse art form remains an important part of Spanish and Latin American culture. Since 2014, Bartelmus has worked to bring this art to the masses through a diverse group of musicians from around the globe. Priding themselves on their diversity, the company aims to “educate and inspire” those who attend their shows. “All of this, I hope, is a good
See FLAMENCO, Page 13 ELECTIONS
County town hall focuses on elections ► PAGE 4
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
PHOTOS BY ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA
Ania “La Candela” Bartelmus accompanies her band to take the audience on a “cultural journey” through Spanish dance and music.
Alpharetta considers short-term rental rules ► PAGE 6
Fulton School Board shares safety plans ► PAGE 12
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council unanimously approved an increase in the property tax rate at its Sept. 18 meeting. A second hearing, required by state law, will be Sept. 25. The overall increase – from 4.463 to 4.949 mills – comes in the wake of higher debt service on voter-approved bonds the city issued for major municipal projects. While the City Council determines the tax revenues required to run day-to-day government operations, the debt service on bonds is mostly determined by local voters through a referendum. Back in May, the city sold the first round of general obligation bonds approved by voters in the November 2022 election. The nearly $180 million general obligation bond referendum was split into three major project areas: parks and recreation, public safety and a downtown parking deck. The tax rate, or millage, is set annually by the mayor and council. A tax rate of one mill represents a tax liability of one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property value. This year’s tax rate increase was
See BOND, Page 13