School Board extends contract, grants raise for superintendent ► PAGE 4
July 17, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
DeKalb County postpones water, sewer rate increase By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County water customers were set to see an increase in their water and sewer bills July 1, but the county has postponed it. The county did not provide a timeframe in the announcement on June 30.
The rate hike was halted as the county finalizes a contract for creating a customer advocacy process that could protect vulnerable customers from having their water shut off. DeKalb County plans to work with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to serve as the consumer advocates. County CEO Lorraine CochranJohnson previously noted that the Urban League worked with the county
to distribute federal American Rescue Plan Act and CARES money. “Access to clean, reliable water is essential, and so is ensuring that our customers are supported,” CochranJohnson said. According to a press release, the county believes it’s important for the Urban League contract to be executed before the rate increase goes into effect and allow for time to ensure the
program is implemented seamlessly. Additionally, DeKalb County wants to ensure customers are informed about the support and resources available to them before the rate increase begins. About 180,000 DeKalb County residential customers will be affected by higher water bills.
See AMNESTY, Page 15
Spruill Gallery opens contest for best mural DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Spruill Center for the Arts’ Gallery is accepting nationwide submissions for its annual AMPLIFY mural competition through July 28. Spruill Gallery staff say the winning artist will receive a $10,000 prize, and their mural will be installed on the side of the Smoke House outside the gallery off Ashford Dunwoody Road next year. This year marks Spruill’s sixth annual AMPLIFY contest, which seeks out a new project each year. Submissions in any medium from individual artists or teams will be considered. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and reside within the United States. This year’s $10,000 prize is a significant increase from what has previously been awarded.
See MURAL, Page 16
SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS/PROVIDED
Manty Dey’s “Rest and Rise,” winner of the Spruill Gallery’s 2024 AMPLIFY mural competition, decorates the Smoke House off Ashford Dunwoody Road. This year’s contest is accepting submission through July 28 and features a $10,000 cash prize.
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