Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of February 23, 2026

Jimmy Furst
24 minutes ago
7 min read

Catch up on all things Chamblee!

The Locomotive - One Big Thing:

HR 1114 and HB 1116

By now, you have likely heard about the proposal at the Georgia State Capitol to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties and replace that revenue with sales tax, HR 1114 and HB 1116. I want to talk specifically about what this could mean for us here in Chamblee. This is being discussed in terms of affordability. However, this is a shell game and only shifts the tax burden. To be frank, if this passes, Chamblee will have to raise the millage rate or cut services.

Why This Matters to Chamblee

I believe it is important to be direct when proposing legislation that could significantly impact how we fund police and fire protection, parks, road improvements, and the day-to-day services residents count on.

In Chamblee, our revenue structure is intentionally balanced. Property taxes and sales taxes work together to provide stability. That balance allows us to plan responsibly, hire and retain first responders, maintain facilities, and invest in infrastructure that supports both our neighborhoods and business community.

Stability Matters

Property tax is predictable. It does not swing dramatically with the economy. That stability helps us build long-term budgets and make responsible commitments.

Sales tax funds SPLOT in DeKalb County helps funds our infrastructure projects. But sales tax fluctuates. When the economy slows, consumer spending drops, sometimes quickly. At the same time, demand for local government services often increases.

This proposal would also cap annual growth in remaining property tax collections at 3 percent. That could limit our ability to respond to rising costs, public safety needs, infrastructure demands, or emergencies.

What It Could Mean for Our City

Chamblee is fortunate to have a growing commercial base, but we are not immune to economic cycles. A system that relies more heavily on sales tax would create more volatility in our budget.

It would also shift the tax burden. The cost of government does not disappear; it moves. Renters, small businesses, and commercial property owners could feel more pressure. Communities with less retail activity than Chamblee could struggle even more.

Some counties in Georgia are already at the maximum combined sales tax rate. In those areas, local governments could lose homestead property tax revenue without the ability to increase sales tax, potentially forcing them to redirect voter-approved SPLOST or TSPLOST funds away from transportation and capital projects. I believe that undermines the intent of voters who approved those measures for specific purposes.

There has also been no independent economic study examining how this shift would play out across different types of cities and through different economic cycles.

Predictability and Economic Growth

Georgia has built its reputation on stable and predictable fiscal policy. Businesses invest where they can plan long term. Cities operate best under that same predictability.

Credit rating agencies like Moody's have noted that policy changes or non-economic events can materially reduce sales tax revenue. Property tax does not carry that same volatility. That difference matters when we plan infrastructure, maintain strong credit ratings, and protect Chamblee’s financial health.

Local Control Matters

At its core, I believe this is about local decision-making. The residents of Chamblee, and the leaders you elect, should have the flexibility to determine how best to fund local services.

A one-size-fits-all statewide approach does not reflect the realities of cities like Chamblee, which are growing, evolving, and balancing residential neighborhoods with a strong business community.

Stay Engaged

If this proposal is important to you as it is to me:

• Reach out to our state legislative delegation and share your thoughts

• Reach out to the Speaker of the House, Jon Burns

These decisions have lasting consequences. I believe Chamblee is strongest when we stay informed, engaged, and focused on protecting the stability that allows our city to thrive.

Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:

Raised Crosswalk Work Complete

The road has reopened, and work on the raised crosswalk is nearly complete. Striping is scheduled for this weekend. Thank you for your patience as we continue improving safety on the Rail Trail.

Electronics Recycling Event

Did you miss it? We do it monthly! Click here for a list of acceptable items: https://www.chambleega.com/publ.../electronics_recycling.php

At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:

Happy Black History Month

Honoring the past and celebrating the present, inspiring the future. This Black History Month, we recognize the stories, contributions, and culture that continue to shape our community and our nation! Check out Chamblee's social media channels to learn more.

Sidewalk Closure on Peachtree Blvd.

Beginning Wednesday, February 11, there will be a sidewalk closure along Peachtree Boulevard in place from Malone Drive to Miller Drive as part of the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project Phase II. The work in this area will take approximately eight weeks to complete. No pedestrian traffic will be permitted along Peachtree Blvd from Malone Drive to Miller Drive for this duration. "Sidewalk Closed" signs will be installed per the attached map, and the work zone will be barricaded to prevent anyone from walking through.

February E-Signal

This month’s E-Signal includes updates on City programs, infrastructure planning, public safety alerts, planning and development processes, recycling services, and upcoming community events. Read the latest E-Signal HERE.

Citywide Stormwater System Survey & Assessment

Chamblee’s Stormwater Division has engaged a consulting team from Lowe Engineers, with a subconsultant, Atlas, to conduct a Citywide stormwater system survey and assessment. Field work is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and continue through October 2026.

Residents can expect to see field crews out with survey equipment, locating and documenting stormwater assets, such as inlets, manholes, and pipes, in the public right-of-way and from the street to the nearest outfall or stream. They will occasionally need to access private property for this purpose and will have identification.

Regular updates regarding the location of survey crews will be provided via social media. Questions can be directed to the Stormwater Division at stormwater@chambleega.gov.

Public Works Employee of the Month

Please join us in recognizing Kenneth Shippey as the Public Works Employee of the Month for the month of February!

Kenneth Shippey has been recognized for his hard work and dedication over the past two weeks. KJ assisted two different substitute drivers in completing sanitation routes by ensuring each driver clearly understood which streets their truck was responsible for collecting. When assigned this task, KJ did not hesitate or complain—he simply responded, “I got it,” and followed through.

In addition, KJ volunteered to be part of the inclement weather treatment team during the recent snow and ice event. His willingness to step up and support operations is greatly appreciated.

The Signal

New Year, New Chamblee! Kick off the new year by staying connected!

The Signal newsletter is back with the latest updates, events, and important information to start the new year strong. Please stay in the know about what's happening in our community! Click HERE to read this month's issue.

Homestead Exemption- LAST WEEK TO APPLY!

The City of Chamblee offers a 100% exemption from city property taxes to seniors and disabled residential homeowners. Chamblee residents who are 65 or older or disabled are eligible for this exemption if they reside in owner-occupied homes. The exemptions must be updated every three years. The renewal request resumes for residents located on streets N-Z.

To qualify:

All parties listed on the property deed must be 65 years or older on January 1, 2026, or be 100% disabled as declared by the SSA or VA.
The owner(s) must qualify for a homestead exemption by living in the home as the owner. Secondary homes and rental properties do not qualify for exemptions.
The deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.

To apply, visit https://www.chambleega.com/finance/homestead_exemption.php.

Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee

February 25: Chamblee Police Citizens Advisory Committee

Have any questions about Public Safety in Chamblee? Want to know more about the Real Time Crime Center? The Chamblee Police Department leadership will be on hand to answer these questions and more! This month's Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arrow Creek Community Room at the Chamblee Police Department.

February 26: PAC February Meeting

The Public Art Commission will meet on Thursday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on the City's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

February 27: Jimmy's Office Hours

Office hours are this Friday! No appointment is necessary. Just drop by, and we can discuss anything related to Chamblee. Note: I will be at lunch from noon to 1 PM.

February 28: Learn to Ride Camp

Registration is underway for Learn to Ride Camp! Camp starts next Friday, February 20, for youth ages 5-12.

February 28: LifeLine Animal Project Free Pet Vaccines & Check Ups

March 7: Chamblee Bulldog Dash 5K

Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join me for Chamblee Middle School's biggest fundraiser for the year! The race is held on March 7 at 8 AM, and you can find the details in the link below.

The Chamblee Bulldog Dash is a traditional timed 5K run/walk race hosted by the Chamblee Middle School Education Foundation and the Chamblee High School Blue & Gold Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the two school foundations and their respective missions to support the students, staff, and communities of Chamblee Middle School and Chamblee High School.

The race is USATF certified and is an official Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. Race details and registration at www.BulldogDash5K.com.

March 19: Coffee With The City Manager

March 28: Easter Festival

SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 Easter Festival hosted by the Chamblee Police Department on Saturday, March 28, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Village Park!

The Caboose

I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.

Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov

Mobile: 770-901-1121 The legal stuff: The views expressed represent the views of the author and may not reflect the views of the Chamblee City Council. Comments posted in response to a Councilmember-initiated communication may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Records Act. If you are a resident of Chamblee and would like to discuss city business, please go to chambleega.gov or contact me at the email above.