[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6228252,"mediaKeyId","3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1","parentId",3476693,"title","Council approves changes to occupational-license code; increases fees, clarifies due dates","audioSeconds",406,"startMs",5545000,"endMs",5951000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1&start=5545&end=5951","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1/thumbnail_5545000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228252/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-changes-to-occupational-license-code-increases-fees-clarifies-due-dates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228252-2fa753999e2ee936a38447d6b17d4ad1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158865&Signature=JZqsmc~xwOsPLI9l6eqcUhhVy3jDQCg8~igjVOUUgTvJYqSTHc2mLdeQw7cQp1hNy0OeRQYwdi3qOhkkoorfTngAQn9DTHmOGz9p0ocUrkuAQRvWsYMFOgOaSuLI2XNzpIjBVBR~nBZZYXwu5f9KHnGJjor6IgbeRFR2kwzd4Gxvq5JQ3tZYOWbSg7ws5fIWxv7gsUzAkP9QwjSNg8pO24dQmcCO2-JBekTq~etEMU61PZSzRaccXw5kfdc8Gglab~ihsBTMFUdlgitV0zUPaiP~pXbK39f2QkRNCPp9I8njBizie~ZZ9IGL8xQSxvb8xWGOoANUcUHo~2m6MQxNVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-24T00:06:56.787Z","article","The Alpharetta City Council voted unanimously to amend Chapter 28 of the city code governing occupational licenses, taxes and regulations, approving a package of changes that raise administrative and per-employee fees and clarify statutory timing and administrative provisions.

City Attorney (Eswein) read the ordinance on first reading; Finance staff and the city attorney said the changes are intended to modernize and clarify the municipal code and align certain procedures with state law. \"Most of [the changes] are intended to provide greater clarity and readability in the ordinance,\" the city attorney said, noting amendments that address due dates, delinquency and the fee schedule.

Finance Director Tom Harris overviewed the revenue rationale and comparables to neighboring cities. He told the council the city has not significantly changed the occupational-tax rate structure in more than 20 years and that the proposed adjustments include a $25 administrative increase (from $50 to $75), and a per-employee increment that staff projected would generate approximately $850,000 if implemented. Harris said Alpharetta's structure remains lower than many nearby cities even after the change.

The ordinance also reorganizes the code text to make assessment and due-date language clearer. Staff explained occupational taxes remain payable for a calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) and that the amendments clarify the due date and the 90-day delinquency timeline (delinquent on April 1 under the clarified schedule).

Councilman Heitz spoke in support of aligning the city with surrounding municipalities and described the change as overdue. Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Dan Merkel moved to approve the ordinance and Councilman Heitz seconded. The council voted unanimously to adopt the amendments.

Next steps: staff will implement the new fee schedule and administrative changes consistent with city code update procedures and notify affected businesses of the new rates and payment schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alpharetta City Council Meeting - May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted amendments to the city code on occupational licenses and occupation taxes that raise several fees, add clarity on due dates and delinquency, and update language to mirror state law; staff estimated the fee changes could generate roughly $850,000 for the general fund if implemented as presented.","taxTitle","Alpharetta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",3991,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6228257,"Council approves conditional use for VPP Animal Hospital at Crabapple Village",579,4996000,5575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1&start=4996&end=5575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1/thumbnail_4996000.jpg","/articles/6228257/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-conditional-use-for-VPP-Animal-Hospital-at-Crabapple-Village","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228257-fefbfa849e4fa1e43d66f5fd7b8e7f15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158865&Signature=MBibVOwjn2xUE5uISqdrKTVGHz8RqFDN2lvYebHiDYGHV5vBMneDjxedTWlmCpVPrJggT~eIXlKWscHTHX8yM9t1IJsroeg-23G-kny5jksLgXir46gH-m2r~OjBvEuFi0GBhwtqrLncMCVLzGo30oo9p-0Jlkqz0moxKz~lJ3AoNEREoat26EvD458Jl9dY-pIh1g5WnLL6ia6vhaTHyzeaufqFv8F077AD9kOMExrPgTqbiIVaEQS-skwCkUkcmVQfWx6Rc7Mb2Dte7ddgpEZMoLFahhmzHp~LyH7xeywYjL9vP4qI4DXbEsfiLDVa3ZDn4KVb-GEgJi6LSeZ0aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpharetta City Council voted unanimously to approve a conditional-use permit allowing VPP Animal Hospital to operate a small-animal clinic at 12460 Crabapple Road, Suite 103, in the Crabapple Village Shopping Center.

Planning staff presented the request as a conditional use in the C-2 general commercial district for a 4,525-square-foot suite previously occupied by Petco. \"The applicant's business is proposed within Suite 103, which was previously occupied by Petco,\" planning staff said, noting the use is permitted by right in certain zoning districts and allowed by conditional use in C-2.

Architect Christopher Kidd and co-owner Dr. Forrester Golston said the practice will provide general veterinary care, surgeries and wellness services for cats and dogs; the clinic will not offer boarding. Kidd said the design includes noise attenuation measures and a fenced pet-relief area on the sidewalk in front of the suite that the clinic will maintain.

Planning Commission reviewed the item on May 1 and recommended unanimous approval subject to seven staff conditions referenced in the council packet. No members of the public registered to speak for or against the request at the council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Dan Merkel moved to approve the conditional use and Councilman Dorito seconded; the council voted unanimously in favor.

The approval authorizes the clinic to operate under the conditions in the staff report and to proceed with tenant improvements and permitting required by building and health codes.","The council unanimously approved a conditional-use permit for VPP Animal Hospital to occupy a 4,525-square-foot suite in Crabapple Village Shopping Center; the clinic will serve cats and dogs, will not offer boarding, and will maintain a pet-relief area at the storefront.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6228262,"Council defers Northwind Summit vertiport request pending UDC amendment, cites need for defined 'vertiport' term",1909,2851000,4760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1&start=2851&end=4760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1/thumbnail_2851000.jpg","/articles/6228262/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-defers-Northwind-Summit-vertiport-request-pending-UDC-amendment-cites-need-for-defined-vertiport-term","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228262-e9e86bf5f91e7199b0969e37f8cb75e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158865&Signature=BuHVVmEU6DJcMOSDYQn1VMd0zhqP3C6gNqL4RMEZE9wUYFNAKJlPqI1rtQrN6xmSyLjnEgEPAnAAI7rveKTJEcN-GwIPoF3626e2pxiKM3V-6WbrfSgsnB3gKmHDmPIPNNVbaEaqQuBUi~449lhHGmlehxDRxj7nD93WwZfjAjO1dvW8VGN8HSZwwECqKHHGdMtUUxfFMam1SOC0RZeIb7xCkgkAovttw9Gec2Z8x-ew18S3pko37aGZEbZ~HVDftngQ-YntAPufO2Ao11dTeFveJk0Uu39Q42KfAdCXKkxqdk6ul9G0vssPmRXz9v916IlTxU11yVAarFmVYru4cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpharetta City Council deferred action on a request to add a heliport/vertiport use to the Northwind Summit master plan so staff can return with a Unified Development Code amendment or clarified conditions defining \"vertiport.\" The council's decision followed questions about whether the city's existing heliport terminology properly covers electric vertical takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) facilities.

City planner Michael Woodman told the council the applicant seeks a master-plan amendment and conditional-use approval to allow a heliport (the closest existing code use) to be shown for a future three-level parking deck at 1000 Summit Place. Woodman said the applicant's site exhibits show four landing pads and an about 11,000-square-foot terminal on the deck's third level associated with a proposed mixed-use development of about 24 acres.

The applicant, Kerry Armstrong of Popeland Enterprises, told the council he and his team have been studying advanced air mobility and that their interest is limited to aircraft that use electric vertical lift technology. \"I can assure you that our entire interest in this is for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. We don't want a helipad there either,\" Armstrong said.

Council members raised concerns about noise, code language and regulatory oversight. Mayor Pro Tem Dan Merkel and others urged that the city adopt a clear definition for \"vertiport\" rather than rely on the existing heliport code term. City Attorney (Eswein) noted FAA guidance released in December 2024 that classifies vertiports as a type of heliport with distinct specifications; a council member also cited a recently enacted Georgia law (H.B. 156, signed May 13) giving the Georgia Department of Transportation authority related to vertiports.

Following discussion, the council voted to defer the application. The motion, made by Mayor Pro Tem Merkel and seconded by Councilman Dorito, directed staff and the city attorney to pursue either (1) a code amendment to define vertiport and related standards before final action or (2) return with tighter, express conditions limiting any approval to eVTOL-type operations only. The council did not approve the master-plan amendment or conditional use at the meeting.

Applicants and some council members argued no immediate construction is planned and that the request was meant to confirm the use is permissible for future development. Opponents and some members of the public urged caution, expressing concerns about noise and possible future uses if terminology is unclear.

Next steps: staff and the city attorney will prepare draft UDC language or a clarified conditional-use draft and return to the planning commission and council; council signaled it prefers a code amendment route to ensure a clear definition and permitting standard prior to approval of any vertiport on the site.","A developer requested a master-plan amendment and conditional use to allow a vertiport on a future parking deck at Northwind Summit; council accepted staff's recommended conditions but deferred final action until the Unified Development Code includes a vertiport definition or related amendment.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6228266,"Alpharetta Council reviews FY2026 budget forecast, discusses occupational tax and capital shortfall",2275,391000,2666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1&start=391&end=2666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3476693-4866250be8fec1863bbe0c98f51d60c1/thumbnail_391000.jpg","/articles/6228266/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Alpharetta-Council-reviews-FY2026-budget-forecast-discusses-occupational-tax-and-capital-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228266-6c70832854b7cd2411a7fc93c32e6ab3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158865&Signature=WEQ-hTSlaCn9T0pklg7EgBma2CND30n3~XTEPWHIuTs77-Ehez5jmyNCULq0aCV~XwxrDX2yWiblr9jBm6pPMkqsflZYsXB2rhIuAWRUsy-R-xRPpWAcI73tZIXi-DjsDm2IHTwV-p8q4VJTPOc0N3suReAkqR7IXd4tD~mSO06~RIfxtzOwZv9IUOsPmP6MqN~ElvsbjQUQK4eWLrLCJ-T~EjTqx-G4ZdpJ-JqXXC~qYC3KH1nsUVjdKSHJz-sSdwQNT-GXEeD0lDN~WZziaRsCNPGOtNioPwLL8oa4mc82PtgUjMBG6y2Cv~qHdlCqtelXdTiQFhFH4upE5SkFGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented an abbreviated preview of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and the city council held a workshop discussion on revenue constraints, millage structure and possible changes to the city's occupational tax.

At a May work session, Finance Director Tom Harris briefed the council on high-level figures for FY2026 and on options to preserve capital funding while holding the overall millage rate steady. \"We were able to produce a budget on May 5 and put it on our financial transparency site and the City's website,\" Harris said as he ran through slides not visible to the public viewers that evening.

The presentation placed the total city budget at about $162,000,000 and described the general fund at roughly $100,900,000 compared with about $103,600,000 the prior year; staff said the total is lower than last year largely because of differences in how prior-year fund balance and one-time receipts were recognized. Harris told the council the budget projects only about 1.8% growth in operating revenues, and he highlighted pressure from personnel costs, E-911 charges being moved into the general fund and flat-to-down commercial valuations as the main constraints.

Council members and staff discussed the city's millage structure, which the presentation kept at an overall rate of 5.75 mills while shifting about 0.02 mills from the debt service mill to the operating mill to produce approximately $135,000 for the general fund. Harris explained that because the city issues level debt and expects some property-digest growth, the debt-service mill could be reduced slightly and that reduction can be used to balance the operating budget without raising the overall millage.

Council members pressed for additional clarity about the property-tax digest, the floating homestead exemption's effect on residential growth, and how bond schedules affect long-term debt service. Councilman Hanks asked for confirmation of the split between commercial and residential taxable digest shares; Harris responded that after exemptions the commercial share is about 55% and residential about 45%, a shift he traced to introduction of the floating homestead.

Mayor (unnamed) described trade-offs for homeowners and the city: \"Floating homesteads of 3% limit the upside for property taxes, which is the overwhelming majority of the revenues for the city of Alpharetta,\" the mayor said, adding that the cap reduces revenue growth during inflationary periods and tightens the budget. Several council members urged planning for multi-year capital needs rather than one-year fixes.

Harris described recommended operating initiatives totaling roughly $215,000 in the base budget (including a firefighter position) and a conceptual option to raise occupational-tax rates that staff projected could generate about $850,000 and would be earmarked for capital if adopted. Council members said they wanted more time to consider that option and asked staff to provide comparables and impacts on local businesses.

Council scheduling and next steps were set during the workshop: staff will run a follow-up budget workshop on June 2 and three public hearings in June (one evening public hearing and two hearings on June 23 at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., per staff's calendar adjustments) so the council can receive additional public input before final decisions.

Background and context: Harris traced the city's millage history, recent bond issues and the capital program, and he noted capital priorities in the draft budget including road maintenance, stormwater, IT, facilities and fleet replacement. He said the base-budget annual capital contribution in the draft is about $2.26 million (down from a prior planning target of $4 million) and that T-SPLOST and other one-time sources can affect year-to-year capital spending.

The council treated the session as a workshop (no action was required on the budget itself). Staff was directed to continue developing the FY2026 proposal, provide more detailed comparisons on occupational-tax options, and present materials at the June workshop and hearings for public review.","City staff presented a draft FY2026 budget showing a roughly $162 million total with constrained revenue growth; council discussed millage structure, a possible occupational-tax change to raise capital funding, and scheduled June budget hearings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves changes to occupational-license code; increases fees, clarifies due dates

Council approves conditional use for VPP Animal Hospital at Crabapple Village

Council defers Northwind Summit vertiport request pending UDC amendment, cites need for defined 'vertiport' term

Alpharetta Council reviews FY2026 budget forecast, discusses occupational tax and capital shortfall