Pride Month, New Nonprofit: What To Know From Decatur Commission

DECATUR, GA — Recognizing Pride Month, reviewing the fiscal year 2021-22 budget and supporting the approval of a new nonprofit — with a familiar name (think: Decatur Land Trust) — were all on the docket for Decatur City Commission's meeting Monday night.

Here's what you need to know:

1. June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month (nationally and now, officially, in Decatur).

Mayor Patti Garrett signed a proclamation Monday night recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which takes place each June and honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, according to the Library of Congress — a tipping point for the LGBTQ+ movement in the U.S.

"Despite the extraordinary progress of the past few years, LGBTQ Americans still face discrimination simply for being who they are; and ... LGBTQ community deserves to know that we stand beside them and that we reaffirm our steadfast belief in the equal dignity of all people, [so] I proclaim June 2021 as LGBTQ Pride Month" Garrett said.

June is now officially recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the city of Decatur.

2. The FY 2021-22 budget process is underway, including setting property tax rates.

The city of Decatur, as well as many other cities across DeKalb County and the metro region, is undergoing its budget process for fiscal year 2021-22, which begins July 1.

The city is hosting multiple public hearings on the millage rate (which determines your property taxes), starting with the budget work session Wednesday from 5-7:30 p.m. on Zoom (register here) and with virtual public hearings starting Monday, June 14. The budget and millage rates will be up for a vote June 21.

The millage rate is not expected to increase from its current rate of 13.92 mills, City Manager Andrea Arnold said. A 2.5 percent, merit-based salary increase for full-time city employees is planned in this upcoming budget, nearing employee wages to $16 an hour, Arnold said.

Read more: Tentative Tax Rates Adopted By Decatur, Avondale Estates

3. Decatur Land Trust may become an independent nonprofit organization, separating from Legacy Decatur.

The Decatur Land Trust was initially established under the nonprofit umbrella of Legacy Decatur, which supports the legacy of the city, particularly in housing opportunities, community building and the environment, as well as oversees Legacy Park.

Decatur Land Trust always planned on branching away from Legacy Decatur, but now the group is ready to make the change, said Kristin Allin, affordable housing fellow for the city.

"We feel the timing for the establishment is consistent with several pending projects that are on the horizon, including the Cottage Courts and a deed-restricted condominium project," Allin said Monday. "Establishing the Decatur Land Trust as its own entity will further the goal of

creating permanent and sustainable, affordable housing throughout Decatur."

City commissioners approved a resolution supporting the establishment of DLT as its own independent nonprofit. It will now go to the Legacy Decatur board members for a vote July 22.

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading from iTunes, or by visiting the Google Play store.