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Geographic Area: Georgia
(Atlanta) Reporter: Tom L.
I decided to take up your offer to write about local happenings.
> Atlanta's economy is supposed to be humming, but there are problems
> simmering beneath the surface.
>
> My metro-area county raised property taxes by 30% this year. A couple of
> years ago our voters naively agreed to a 1% sales tax increase (from 6%
> to 7%) in exchange for property tax relief, which was supposed to be
> permanent. We got a new CEO this year and the first thing he did was
> rescind the property tax rollback. Sales tax projections weren't being
> met due to slow sales we are told.
>
> Homeowners insurance increases of $200 are commonplace this year.
> Insurers blame 9-11 among other things. Postage increase is something
>
> We've had a steady stream of big employer layoffs, most notably from the
> telecom sector. Transportation sector has also been weak since 9-11.
>
> Houses for sale aren't moving nearly as quickly as they were 2 years
> ago. Two houses on our street have been vacant for the better part of a
> year. I have also noticed many more SUVs on front lawns with "For Sale"
> signs on the windshields.
>
> Collections at church are published in our parish bulletin. On average,
> the weekly collection seems to be down from about $28k last year to $22k
> or so now.
>
> People seem to appreciate the business of cash customers more recently.
> In the past two months, my auto mechanic, tire dealer and local caterer
> have all expressed their thanks in very personal ways.
>
> I hope you get people from all over the country to respond!
>
> Thanks so much for all of your efforts. Click here to
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