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April 30, 2026 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
Charter action could give city path to raise taxes By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council was scheduled to consider a series of charter amendments at its April 27 meeting, including one that some say would give the council broader taxing authority. The council is considering amendments that would create the
position of municipal court chief judge, change the deadline for approving a budget to the 12th month of the fiscal year, and require the council to meet the first Monday in January after a municipal election, excluding legal holidays. The final amendment addresses “special districts, general obligation bonds and intergovernmental contracts backing revenue bonds issued pursuant to law.”
The state constitution, through the Home Rule Act, gives municipalities the power to create special tax districts and collect fees, assessments or taxes in those districts. When Dunwoody was founded in 2008, the property tax millage rate was capped at 3.04 mills in the city charter. The only way to raise the cap is through a citywide vote. Under the current charter, if the
By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com
By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com
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David Getz and his son, Asher, enjoy a mango lollipop Saturday, April 25, at Dunwoody’s Lemonade Days Festival.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Some Dunwoody officials are questioning Georgia Department of Transportation’s plans for North Peachtree Road as part of the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project. The massive project would add two barrier-separated express lanes in both directions along a portion of I-285 and Ga. 400. As part of the project, GDOT says it will make Cotillion Drive a one-way westbound road and convert Savoy Drive into a one-way going east for better traffic efficiency. During public meetings and discussions about the project dating back to 2020, Dunwoody officials argued for turn-around lanes at both North Peachtree Road and Chamblee Dunwoody Road, according to an April 17 blog post from Councilman John Heneghan. In 2022, GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry wrote that the current project scope includes a return access lane from Savoy Drive to Cotillion Drive at North Peachtree Road, he said.
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Councilman: Express lanes plan ignores input from local officials
Lemonade Days crowd demonstrates mindset of enduring community DUNWOODY, Ga. — What began as a community response to disaster has grown into one of Dunwoody’s most anticipated annual traditions. This year’s Lemonade Days Festival, held each spring at Brook Run Park, brought thousands to enjoy a mix of entertainment, food and family-friendly attractions over its run April 22-26. Festivalgoers experienced more than 20 midway rides, along with a variety of food vendors and a popular food court. A string-lit beer garden provided a gathering space for adults, while families enjoyed pony rides and a petting zoo during the weekend.
council creates a special district, its millage rate must match the city’s 3.04mill cap and can only be increased by referendum. However, the state constitution says a municipality can create a special district and tax it outside city charter regulations, according to City Attorney Ken Bernard.
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